Vice President Sara Duterte firmly stated that she will not approach President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. regarding the ongoing legal battle of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In an interview with the media on Wednesday, October 15, Duterte made it clear that she has no plans to speak with Marcos about her father’s situation.
“Hindi ko kakausapin si BBM para kay dating Pangulong Duterte,” she said. “Dahil ang sa akin, is ‘yong ginawa nila na government kidnapping ng isang Pilipino sa loob ng ating bansa.”
The Vice President also hinted that her relationship with the President — her former running mate during the 2022 elections — has already changed.
“There’s no going back sa ganoon… Trabaho niya ‘yon in a sense na inaprubahan niya na hindi niya dapat ginawa bilang isang Pangulo,” she added, referring to Marcos’ alleged role in what she called a “government kidnapping.”
Duterte emphasized that the former President’s legal troubles are now a matter for himself and their family to deal with.
“Kung ano man ‘yong legal problem ni dating Pangulong Duterte ngayon ay problema na niya ‘yon at syempre ng pamilya namin dahil ama namin siya,” she said.
However, she was resolute that she would not seek assistance from President Marcos regarding the matter.
“Pero for me, to go to him and request on behalf of former President Duterte, there’s no going back sa ginawa nilang rendition,” she reiterated.
When asked about the “host country” that might receive the former president should his interim release be approved, VP Sara declined to name any specific nation.
“Hindi ko masabi kung anong country ‘yon dahil unang-una hindi siya pinapalabas ng ICC at kung magsabi man ako kung anong continent siya, baka mag-speculate ‘yong mga tao,” she explained.
She added that discussions are still ongoing between their legal team and the potential host nation.
“Ang huling pag-uusap namin ng abogado patungkol sa bansa na ito at sa interim release ay mayroon pa ring cooperation ‘yong bansa doon sa appeal na ginawa nila para sa denial ng interim release,” she concluded.