Vice President Sara Duterte expressed optimism that her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Netherlands, will be granted an interim release due to his age and health condition.

“For now, we are hoping the case will be dismissed based on the filings over jurisdiction, and in the meantime, that he will be granted an interim release while the lawyers and prosecutor argue inside the court. May he be granted an interim release due to his age and health condition,” Duterte, who is currently at The Hague, Netherlands, said.

She, however, could not give a timeline or the chances of the former president going home to Davao City.

Earlier, the defense team of the former president had requested an urgent status conference with the court before its summer recess begins on 25 July, stating that this would help determine whether the current timeline for the confirmation of charges hearing remains feasible.

The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled on 23 September. The judges will then have up to 60 days to decide whether the former president’s case will proceed to trial.

VP Duterte said the former president is in a “good mood,” though he looks “messy” with his long beard and mustache.

She said her father could not decide if he would dye his graying hair.