Speaking from The Hague on Wednesday, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed sharp criticism over recent political developments in the Philippines, describing the situation surrounding Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as a direct affront to the nation’s institutions.
Duterte admitted to feeling both “saddened and angered” by the tensions unfolding at the Senate, which she characterized as a breach of institutional respect.
“Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit sa nangyayari sa ating bayan lalong lalo na sa pagpapakita ng disrespect sa insitutusyon ng Senado.”
The Vice President stood firm on her legal stance regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) reach, arguing that foreign tribunals lack direct authority on Philippine soil.
She maintained that any international issuance must first be scrutinized and adopted by domestic courts to be enforceable.
“Sinasabi ko noon, hindi pwede yan dahil ang mga foreign court at foreign tribunals, wala silang jurisdiction sa loob ng Pilipinas kaya wala ring bisa lahat ng issuances ng foreign courts sa Pilipinas maliban na lang kung ipasok yan sa local courts at yung local courts ang mag-issue ng kanyang sariling Philippine order base don sa mapagusapan sa kaso, yun ang dapat na proseso.”
She further warned that bypassing local judicial processes in favor of international orders would infringe upon the constitutional rights of the accused.
”Dahil pag sinasabi mo na pwede yan sa isang Republic Act, masasagasaan niya yung rights ng isang accused na nasa Bill of Rights natin na protektado ng Constitution natin. Ibig sabihin nava-violate yung rights ni Senator Dela Rosa, at nakita na natin noon.”
Addressing the broader context of the ICC’s actions, Duterte likened the potential arrest and transfer of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to “extraordinary rendition” rather than a legal surrender.
“Sa paningin ng buong mundo, ang tawag nila doon ay extraordinary rendition, hindi surrender dahil sapilitan mo kinuha at dinala mo sa ibang bayan.”
While the Vice President initially attempted to shield her father from the news of the Senate turmoil, she noted that the former president became aware of the situation after viewing television reports.
She confirmed she is seeking ways to support Senator Dela Rosa and remains in close contact with Senate allies.
On the matter of her own legal battles, Duterte remained brief regarding the impeachment complaint recently transmitted by Congress, stating that her “impeachment team” is already handling the issue.