Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of what she described as the “extraordinary rendition” of former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling it a serious challenge to due process, the rule of law, and the country’s national sovereignty.
In a video statement, the Vice President criticized the arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an “illegal process,” saying it violated individual rights and undermined justice.
“Ang naganap na extraordinary rendition o kidnapping kay dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay isang seryosong paalala na ang batas ay hindi dapat ginagamit bilang sandata para sa pulitika o personal na interes,” she said.
(The extraordinary rendition or kidnapping of former President Rodrigo Duterte serves as a stark reminder that law should not be weaponized for political or personal gain.)
“Ang isang tunay na malayang bansa ay pinapatakbo ng sariling mga institusyon na malaya mula sa anumang panlabas na panghihimasok o dikta,” she added.
(A truly sovereign nation is governed by its own institutions, free from external interference or influence.)
The former president has been in the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands since March 12, 2025 following his arrest on a warrant for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
The younger Duterte also stressed the need for vigilance, urging institutions to remain independent, honest, and resilient against attempts to undermine justice.
“Walang sinumang Pilipino ang dapat pagkakaitan ng proteksyon ng ating Saligang Batas,” she said.
(No Filipino should be denied the protections granted by our Constitution.)
The former President made his initial appearance before the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 14, 2025, but has since waived his right to appear in further proceedings.
In late February, the same chamber held a four-day confirmation of charges hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial.
Also in February, 18 individuals identified as former Marines, along with lawyer Levi Baligod, alleged that security personnel linked to fugitive resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV financed the hotel stays of ICC investigators in the Philippines, suggesting possible misconduct in the probe.
The Vice President said she admired the courage of the 18 men and claimed to be aware of alleged ties between some Philippine officials and ICC investigators operating in the country.
In response, Trillanes said the allegations were attempts to obstruct the ongoing investigation into the former president’s alleged crimes against humanity before the ICC. He has filed perjury complaints against them and cyber libel cases against Baligod and others supporting the ex-servicemen.
