Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly questioned the legitimacy of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) case against her father, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces allegations of crimes against humanity.
Speaking during an interview at The Hague, Netherlands, Vice President Duterte raised a critical question: “How can you prove systematic killing of 30,000 victims if you do not have the names of 30,000 victims?” Her statement challenges the ICC’s ability to establish the scale of alleged human rights violations during her father’s administration.
The ICC has accused Rodrigo Duterte of involvement in the murders of 19 individuals linked to the Davao Death Squad and 24 more killings allegedly carried out by Philippine law enforcement. However, Vice President Duterte’s argument underscores the difficulty of proving systematic extrajudicial killings without verifiable evidence listing all alleged victims.
This legal battle intensified following the former president’s arrest on March 11, 2025, and his transfer to The Hague to stand trial. The case has fueled nationwide debates and protests, with supporters of the former leader questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction, while human rights advocates argue for justice and accountability.
As proceedings continue, the case remains a deeply polarizing issue in the Philippines, with divisions evident between those who view the ICC’s actions as a necessary step toward justice and those who see them as a challenge to national sovereignty.
