Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed support for senators calling for the temporary release of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is under house arrest in The Hague, Netherlands.
Senators Bong Go, Ronald Dela Rosa, and Robin Padilla passed a resolution urging the government to support the bill. They said it was necessary due to Duterte's age and deteriorating health, and his more than 100 days in Scheveningen Prison while awaiting trial at the ICC.
Duterte's allies also cited his separation from his family as sufficient reason to allow him to stay at home while in custody. In Davao City, the council issued a resolution for his interim release, citing health, human rights,, and respect for Philippine sovereignty.
VP Sara clarified that the photo of Duterte appearing to be very thin is not true. It is true that the former president has lost weight but he can still walk, according to her. Duterte also said he does not want to be buried in the Heroes' Cemetery even though he has the right as a former president.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jose Manuel Diokno warned against the resolution filed by Sen. Imee Marcos that calls for the arrest of any Filipino to be brought to international courts like the ICC, without a local warrant. According to Diokno, the Philippines still has obligations under the Rome Statute even though it has withdrawn from the ICC.
