Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, September 16, said her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, remains “okay” and continues to converse with her on politics, family, and even personal topics. Her remarks came as the International Criminal Court (ICC) weighs whether the elder Duterte is fit to stand trial over crimes against humanity charges tied to his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
In an ambush interview, the vice president shared that she spoke with her father over the phone last week. “We talked about politics, we talked about flood control, we talked about what, his love life,” she said, mixing English and Filipino. Pressed about his health, she offered only that he was “okay” but declined to provide further details.
The statement coincides with the ICC pre-trial chamber’s review of the former president’s medical competence. Duterte’s defense team has argued that his cognitive faculties have significantly declined, preventing him from meaningfully participating in legal proceedings. His lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, cited problems with memory and an inability to recall events, places, or even close family members.
The ICC prosecution opposed the defense’s request to indefinitely adjourn proceedings, instead asking the court to appoint an independent medical expert. The panel has since postponed the confirmation of charges hearing—originally scheduled for September 23—allowing time for both sides to present medical evidence and for an expert review to be completed. No new date has been set, with judges emphasizing that the delay would be only as long as “strictly necessary.”
When asked whether she believed her father was still fit to stand trial, Vice President Duterte refused to give a personal judgment. “I think there will be a hearing on competency, so let’s just wait for the experts,” she said, stressing that it was not her role to determine his mental or physical capacity. “’Di ako expert sa kung ano dapat ang kapasidad ng isang witness or accused,” she added.
Victims and their lawyers have urged the ICC not to allow the fitness issue to stall proceedings indefinitely, warning that prolonged delays could deny justice. The outcome of the postponed confirmation hearing will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial against the former president.