Sara Duterte Joins Father Rodrigo in The Hague Amid ICC Proceedings

Vice President Sara Duterte departed Manila early Wednesday morning to join her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The high-profile case, tied to the brutal drug war during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency from 2016 to 2022, has reignited global scrutiny of the Philippines’ human rights record.

Sara Duterte, who has been a prominent political figure in her own right as Vice President and former Mayor of Davao City, left the Philippines at approximately 7:40 a.m. on an Emirates flight bound for Amsterdam. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed her departure in a brief advisory but provided no further details about the purpose or duration of her trip. Her journey follows closely on the heels of her father’s transfer to The Hague late Tuesday night, marking a dramatic escalation in a legal saga that has gripped the nation.

A Controversial Legacy Under Scrutiny

Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and subsequent transfer to the ICC come after the court issued a warrant citing “reasonable grounds” to believe he bears responsibility for crimes against humanity during his administration’s infamous war on drugs. Official figures state that at least 6,000 people were killed in the campaign, though human rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 20,000. The policy, which often involved extrajudicial killings by police and vigilante groups, drew widespread condemnation from international bodies and activists.

The former president, known for his brash rhetoric and unapologetic stance on the drug war, was arrested in the Philippines before being flown to The Hague, with a reported refueling stop in Dubai. His arrival at the ICC’s headquarters marks the first time a former Philippine leader has faced such international legal proceedings, raising questions about accountability and the country’s judicial sovereignty.

Sara Duterte’s decision to travel to The Hague has sparked speculation about her role in supporting her father during this critical juncture. While she has not publicly commented on the ICC case, her presence could signal a united family front amid intense political and legal pressure. It also comes alongside reports of a Supreme Court plea filed by Sara or her representatives to repatriate Rodrigo Duterte, though details of the legal filing remain unclear.

Political Ramifications in the Philippines

The Dutertes have long been a dominant force in Philippine politics, with Rodrigo’s presidency reshaping the nation’s approach to governance, crime, and foreign policy. His daughter Sara, who served as Mayor of Davao City during much of his tenure as president, has often been seen as a political heir to his populist legacy. Her election as Vice President in 2022 cemented the family’s enduring influence, even as Rodrigo stepped back from the presidency.

However, the ICC case threatens to tarnish this legacy. Critics argue that the drug war’s staggering death toll and allegations of state-sponsored violence have left an indelible stain on the Dutertes’ political brand. Supporters, meanwhile, maintain that Rodrigo’s policies were necessary to combat the drug epidemic, often framing the ICC’s intervention as an overreach by foreign powers into Philippine sovereignty.

If the ICC proceedings move forward, they could have far-reaching implications for the Philippines’ domestic politics. Analysts suggest that a conviction or prolonged trial might weaken the Dutertes’ grip on power, potentially emboldening opposition forces. Conversely, a defiant stance against the ICC could rally nationalist sentiment, further polarizing an already divided electorate. “If the case gains traction, it may reshape how Filipinos view accountability and justice,” noted a Manila-based political commentator, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

International Spotlight on Human Rights

The ICC’s involvement underscores broader concerns about human rights in the Philippines. During Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure, the United Nations and various human rights organizations repeatedly criticized the drug war’s methods, alleging systematic abuses. The ICC’s preliminary examination, launched in 2018, eventually led to a formal investigation despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court’s jurisdiction under Duterte’s orders in 2019.

The case also raises questions about the ICC’s role in holding leaders accountable, particularly in nations where domestic judicial systems are perceived as unable or unwilling to prosecute high-level crimes. While some activists welcome the court’s actions as a step toward justice for victims of the drug war, others caution that the process must be transparent and fair to avoid perceptions of political bias. “If the ICC’s findings are seen as credible, they could set a precedent for accountability,” said a human rights advocate based in Manila. “But if mishandled, it risks being dismissed as a witch hunt.”

What Lies Ahead in The Hague?

Rodrigo Duterte’s immediate future in The Hague remains uncertain. Upon arrival, he is expected to undergo initial hearings where the charges against him will be formally presented. The ICC process is notoriously lengthy, often spanning years, and a conviction is far from guaranteed. Legal experts note that the prosecution must prove not only the occurrence of widespread abuses but also Duterte’s direct responsibility for them—a high bar under international law.

Speculation abounds regarding potential outcomes. If convicted, Duterte could face a lengthy prison sentence, though enforcement would depend on cooperation from Philippine authorities. If acquitted or if the case collapses due to insufficient evidence, it could bolster his narrative of victimhood at the hands of international forces. Either way, the trial is likely to keep the Philippines in the global spotlight for the foreseeable future.

Sara Duterte’s presence in The Hague adds another layer of complexity. While her role is likely personal rather than official, her actions will be closely watched for signals about the family’s strategy. Will she publicly defend her father, or maintain a low profile to protect her own political future? These questions remain unanswered as the situation unfolds.

A Family and a Nation at a Crossroads

The Dutertes’ story is emblematic of broader tensions in the Philippines—between populism and accountability, sovereignty and international oversight, and a family’s political dynasty and the weight of its past decisions. As Rodrigo Duterte faces the ICC, and Sara Duterte stands by his side, the nation watches a chapter of its history being written in real time.

For now, the focus remains on The Hague, where a former president’s legacy will be judged not just by his countrymen, but by the international community. Whether this marks the end of an era or the beginning of a new political battle, one thing is clear: the Dutertes’ influence on Philippine politics is far from over.

This unfolding story continues to draw attention both at home and abroad, as the world waits to see what justice, if any, will be served in the shadow of a brutal and divisive drug war.