Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for her renewed bond with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Speaking to the media, she acknowledged the irony of the situation but shared that the arrest facilitated reconciliation between them. “There was forgiveness between my father and me for all that has happened in our lives,” she said, emphasizing that their daily conversations now revolve around family matters rather than legal issues.
Despite the circumstances, VP Sara highlighted the positive outcome of strengthening her relationship with her father. “It’s sad that it had to happen inside [detention], but there is a good side,” she remarked.
VP Sara also mentioned that her brothers, Paolo and Sebastian Duterte, might soon visit their father in the Netherlands, while she plans to return to the Philippines after finalizing some paperwork.
When asked about regrets over her father’s presidency, she responded, “Everything happens for a reason. We should just learn from the past and move forward.”
Regarding her father’s possible interim release, VP Sara said she was not involved in the legal proceedings but reiterated concerns for his safety should he return to the Philippines.
Additionally, she shared that the situation brought her closer to her half-sister, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte. “I gained a sister in this experience. I now have someone to scold, something I didn’t have growing up,” she said with a smile.
