Vice President Sara Duterte expressed a public hope that Senator Imee Marcos could facilitate the return of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to the Philippines from his detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

Speaking during the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur, the Vice President explained why she brought Senator Marcos along to the event.

“I invited Senator Imee Marcos, wherever I go, I bring her because I told her I am not the one who will bring former President Duterte back to the Philippines,” Duterte said in her speech.

“Because your brother sent him to The Hague, you are the one who will bring him back to the Philippines,” she added.

The former President is currently detained at the ICC detention facility in Scheveningen, The Hague, facing allegations of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s deadly crackdown on illegal drugs.

Senator Imee and Senator Robin Padilla joined the Vice President, who was the guest speaker at the Independence Day celebration with overseas Filipino workers in Malaysia.

“That’s why I always bring her wherever I go, because you know why? Wherever I go, people tell me, ‘bring him home,’” Duterte recounted, referring to public appeals.

She added, “Even a little kid during our campaign in Manila, a small child, when I got off the stage -- looked about 8 or 9 years old, told me, ‘bring Tatay Digong back.’ Huh? Why me? You. Right? That’s why I bring her wherever I go.”

The Vice President jokingly likened Senator Imee’s presence to a hostage situation.

“It’s like she’s a hostage. I will only let her go when former President Duterte is back in Davao City,” Duterte said.