Vice President Sara Duterte offered prayers for the good health and interim release of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) while facing charges of crimes against humanity.
During her visit to the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan on Saturday, Duterte said her intentions were deeply personal, centered on her father’s well-being and the legal battle he is facing abroad.
“Dalawa lang po ‘yung dasal ko kanina. Personal po, para sa akin wala. Humiling lang po ako ng magandang kalusugan para kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte para malampasan niya ‘yung kaso doon sa detention unit at sa ICC,” she said in a press briefing following the pilgrimage.
She also expressed hope that the former president would be granted interim release while proceedings are ongoing, or better yet, full exoneration.
“Dinasal ko rin po na sana siya ay mabigyan ng interim release o kung ‘di man, total freedom mula sa kaso,” she added.
Vice President Duterte confirmed that the legal team has already appealed the earlier denial of interim release by the court.
This comes after the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, in a resolution dated October 16, ordered a medical evaluation of former President Duterte to assess his physical and mental fitness to participate in pre-trial proceedings, including the confirmation of charges.
Beyond her prayers for her father, the Vice President also shared that she prayed for the peace and prosperity of the Philippines, as well as comfort and strength for all Filipinos during challenging times.
“Dinasal ko rin po ang mapayapa at masaganang Pilipinas, at kapayapaan at ginhawa para sa bawat Pilipino,” she said.
