On Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday, VP Sara wishes for his release

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed a wish that her father Rodrigo Duterte be released, as the former president marks his 80th birthday detained in a facility in The Hague on a warrant from the International Criminal Court. 

“Sa kanyang pagdiriwang  ng kanyang 80th birthday, huwag nating kalimutan na ipagdasal sa Diyos na sana ay biyayaan pa siya ng mas magandang kalusugan at mas mahabang buhay,” said Sara in a statement on Friday.

(In his celebration of his 80th birthday, let’s not forget to pray to the Lord that he will be granted good health and a longer life.) 

The elder Duterte, who was born on March 28, 1945, is currently facing charges for murder as a crime against humanity before the ICC. He was arrested in the Philippines on March 11 and was brought to the Dutch city, a hub for international law, shortly after. 

“Hilingin din natin sa Diyos na sana ay makauwi na agad si Pangulong Duterte sa Pilipinas,” the Vice President added. 

(Let’s also pray to the Lord that President Duterte will be able to return to the Philippines.) 

Sara is still in the Netherlands to take care of the legal preparations. 

“Aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga Pilipino na sumusuporta at nagmamahal kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte,” she said.

(I wholeheartedly thank all the Filipinos who support and love former President Rodrigo Duterte.) 

“Sa mga kababayan natin sa Pilipinas, The Netherlands at iba’t ibang panig ng mundo—napakalaking bagay para kay Pangulong Duterte ang pagtitipon ninyo para sa kanyang pag-uwi at kaarawan.” 

(To all our fellow Filipinos in the Philippines, in The Netherlands, and in other parts of the world, your gatherings are a huge thing for President Duterte’s return and birthday.) 

Sara added that the protests and gatherings by the supporters show the strength, courage, and the commitment of Filipino people. 

“Sana ay magpatuloy din ang inyong suporta at pagmamahal sa ating dating Pangulo hanggang sa darating na halalan ng ating mga senador,” she said. 

(I hope that your support and love for our former president will continue until the senatorial elections.) 

The ICC said that while the former president could seek interim release, he must adhere to "measures," including returning to the court when ordered by the judges. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News