Vice-president Sara Duterte-Carpio disclosed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has prohibited her family from publicly sharing any details from meetings with her detained father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Ni-remind kami ng detention unit na mayroong kailangang sundin na mga conditions sa visit. So, from now on, bawal ikuwento kung ano ‘yung mga nangyari sa loob at ano ‘yung mga pinag-usapan sa loob,” Duterte-Carpio said following her visit to Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands earlier this month.
(“We were reminded by the detention unit that there are conditions we must follow during visits. So, from now on, we are not allowed to share what happened inside or what was discussed.”)
She confirmed only that her father is “still alive” but declined to provide further information about his condition or their conversation — marking a departure from her previous role as his public conduit during rallies and interviews.
The development coincided with a request from Duterte’s legal team to postpone the confirmation of charges hearing originally set for September 23, citing that the former president is “not fit to stand trial.”
Defense counsel Nicholas Kaufman said Duterte’s “progressively deteriorating medical situation” impairs his ability to comprehend evidence and issue instructions.
“Out of respect for the former president’s legacy, the defense would not raise such a plea were it not supported by leading medical experts, including one not selected by the defense,” Kaufman stated.
He added that all parties — the prosecution, defense, and the Office of the Public Counsel for Victims — agree the matter warrants judicial determination and that dismissing the concern would be “a malicious insult to all those involved and affected.”
The confirmation hearing, which would have been the first substantive step toward trial, is now on hold pending a ruling on Duterte’s fitness to participate.
The Pre-Trial Chamber approved a limited postponement and said it will set a new date “if applicable” once the issue is resolved.
Several Filipino human rights lawyers and advocacy groups have condemned the delay.
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) and Rise Up for Life and for Rights described the move as a “delaying tactic” and “calculated ploy” to portray Duterte as a victim. They stressed that fitness for trial is a factual matter that should be resolved swiftly.
Under Rule 124 of the ICC Rules, lawyers noted, Duterte could waive his right to attend and be represented solely by counsel if he is genuinely unwell.
“Victims are determined that the trial on the merits must proceed without unnecessary postponements,” said NUPL counsel Neri Colmenares.
Kristina Conti, assisting counsel for Rise Up, added: “We will not fall for a desperate, time-worn and calculated ploy to paint himself aggrieved.”
Victims’ lawyers said they are now coordinating with the Office of the Public Counsel for Victims to push for a new hearing date as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Kaufman recently told Philippine media that Duterte’s defense team remains hopeful the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will permit the former president’s return to the Philippines if granted interim release by the ICC.
“The defense sincerely hopes that the current administration, which saw fit to outsource its obligation to afford the former president a fair trial in the country of his birth, will now let him return home, with dignity, for the purpose of interim release until the end of all legal proceedings,” Kaufman said.
