U.S. stance bolsters ICC bias claim – Sara

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday said mounting pressure by the United States on the International Criminal Court (ICC) could strengthen her father’s legal argument that the tribunal is politically biased.

Speaking to reporters after a thanksgiving Mass at the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, Duterte said she was uncertain whether the Trump administration’s campaign against the ICC would directly affect the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces crimes against humanity charges before The Hague-based tribunal.

“I don’t know whether it will lead to the release of former president Duterte,” she said. “But the United States can certainly use his case as an example that the ICC is a politically biased organization and not truly a court of justice.”

Her remarks came as Washington intensified sanctions, visa restrictions, and diplomatic pressure against the ICC, arguing that the court has exceeded its authority and pursued politically motivated cases.

Duterte has repeatedly questioned the ICC’s impartiality, earlier claiming that the tribunal made her father its “Asian poster boy” to counter criticism that it disproportionately prosecutes African leaders.

Withdrawal

The ICC has rejected allegations of political bias, maintaining that it is an independent judicial institution that decides cases based on evidence and international law.

Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyers have consistently argued that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines following the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.

The ICC, however, has ruled that it retained jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

The Vice President also gave an update on her father’s condition, saying he remains in good spirits despite minor health concerns.

“He has not lost his sense of humor,” she said. “He has some minor health issues, but thankfully these are being addressed by the detention unit.”

She also defended her recent visit to detained allies Senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada and former congressman Michael Defensor at the Quezon City Jail.

Persecution

“I don’t see anything wrong with visiting persons deprived of liberty,” she said, recalling that she regularly visited inmates and conducted outreach activities while serving as Davao City mayor.

“We should show empathy and sympathy to people,” she added.

Asked about the legal actions involving her political allies, Duterte accused the Marcos administration of focusing on politics instead of governance.

“It shows what this administration is busy with. They are busy with politics,” she said.

“It’s not only former President Rodrigo Duterte or me. Everyone who does not follow Malacañang and President Marcos is being pursued, attacked, charged, harassed, and threatened.”