Vice President Sara Duterte has announced that her work in The Hague is complete, and she is preparing to return to the Philippines. Her statement comes as her family readies for a visit to her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who remains detained at Scheveningen Prison in the Netherlands. The elder Duterte faces charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity tied to his controversial war on drugs during his presidency. The campaign, launched in 2016, left thousands of drug suspects dead, many without the benefit of a trial. Speaking briefly on Friday, Sara Duterte confirmed her intention to return home once her siblings arrive to see their father. She expressed excitement to reunite with her family in Manila after what she described as the completion of her responsibilities abroad. Duterte detention draws global scrutiny The ICC has continued its probe despite objections from Duterte’s legal team and allies, citing strong evidence surrounding extrajudicial killings linked to the administration’s anti-drug efforts. The former president has remained defiant, even as international legal pressure mounts. Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly denied authorizing unlawful killings. However, human rights advocates argue that his public statements and policies fostered a culture of impunity. Scheveningen Prison, where he is being held, is known for housing suspects facing prosecution by the ICC. The Duterte case has attracted global media attention and fueled political divisions within the Philippines. Sara Duterte, while standing by her father, has generally distanced herself from the day-to-day legal battle. Her time in The Hague had been viewed by observers as a symbolic show of support rather than a formal diplomatic mission. Family reunion looms amid high tensions According to insiders close to the Duterte family, Sara has maintained communication with her siblings, who plan to visit their father in the coming days. The timing of their reunion remains under wraps for security and privacy reasons. Despite her father’s legal troubles, Sara continues to serve as vice president and secretary of education. She has avoided directly commenting on the ICC proceedings, focusing instead on her official duties and reinforcing her political brand ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run. Her decision to return now, observers say, signals an attempt to regroup with family and assess how the international case might impact both their public image and political future. Although the Duterte camp remains largely silent on legal strategies, allies continue to defend the former president’s anti-drug policies as tough but necessary. Opponents, meanwhile, insist accountability is overdue. As international eyes remain fixed on The Hague, Sara Duterte’s next moves will be closely watched—both by those hoping for justice and by political strategists eyeing the next chapter in the Duterte dynasty. Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Celebeat. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment. Share this: