VP Sara Duterte thanks supporters amid former President Duterte’s ICC trial

Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday expressed her gratitude to those who supported her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges for alleged crimes against humanity over his deadly war on drugs.

"Nagpapasalamat tayo sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na patuloy na nagpapakita ng kanilang suporta sa ating dating pangulo," Duterte said in a brief message.

The Vice President arrived at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, hours ahead of her father's scheduled appearance before the tribunal. She was accompanied by former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque and Senator Robinhood Padilla. Roque, an ICC counsel, is applying as one of the legal counsels for the former president.

Duterte also thanked supporters who conducted peace rallies across the country.

"Nagpapasalamat tayo na meron nagdadasal, marami ang nagdadasal, nagpapakita ng suporta at nagpapahayag ng kanilang nararamdaman," Duterte said.

She further noted that the real problem in the country is not the Dutertes but the lack of job opportunities, persistent poverty, chaos, and continued lack of development.

"Huwag natin kalimutan na ang problema ng bayan ay hindi ang mga Duterte. Ang totoong problema ng bayan, kayong lahat nandito kayo, nakikipagsapalaran kayo sa ibang bansa dahil walang oportunidad doon sa ating bansa, patuloy ang kahirapan, patuloy ang kaguluhan, patuloy na walang nangyayaring kaunlaran," she said.