On September 18, 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte announced yet another international journey—her 15th this year—this time to Japan, where she will join rallies in Tokyo and Nagoya organized by the Filipino community. The rallies, set to take place over the coming days, are not just another diplomatic stop; they are a passionate plea for the release of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The former president stands accused of crimes against humanity for his administration’s controversial war on drugs, an operation that, according to official statistics, resulted in at least 6,000 deaths. Human rights groups, however, claim the true number could be as high as 20,000, as reported by Cebu Daily News.
"I’m going to Japan because there are rallies organized there by the Filipino community in Tokyo and Nagoya. They’ve been planning this for a long time," Vice President Duterte told reporters, emphasizing the significance of these gatherings. She further explained, "This can’t be postponed under any circumstances, because it’s also for the country—it’s both a call against corruption and a call to the ICC to release former President Rodrigo Duterte." Her planned stay in Japan could stretch until Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week, reflecting the seriousness with which she approaches this mission.
This latest trip comes on the heels of a busy international schedule for the vice president. In just the past two months, Sara Duterte has visited Kuwait, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium, underscoring her active role on the global stage and her determination to rally support for her father. The rallies in Japan are expected to draw significant crowds, with many Filipinos abroad having already arranged their vacation leaves to participate. According to Cebu Daily News, the events have been in the works for quite some time, and postponement was not seen as an option.
Meanwhile, the fate of the elder Duterte remains a deeply emotional subject for the family. Despite her international advocacy, Vice President Duterte revealed that she has not yet made plans to visit her father in person at the ICC detention unit in The Hague. "I don’t have a schedule yet in The Hague. What comforts me is that we have relatives who regularly visit President Duterte, as allowed by the ICC detention unit," she shared, as quoted by Manila Bulletin. The vice president admitted she has considered making a personal visit, prompted by reports of changes in her father’s mood. "I asked Kitty (Veronica Duterte) what was happening and why there were no calls, and she said President Duterte feels frustrated because he cannot do anything about the situation," she explained, noting the emotional toll of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Communication with the former president has mostly been limited to phone calls, which Sara Duterte said are no substitute for being physically present. "It’s different when you are physically present. You can see each other’s emotions, and that brings comfort," she observed. The challenge of maintaining family bonds across continents and through the walls of an international detention center is one that the Duterte family is facing head-on.
Fortunately, the former president has not been without visitors. His ex-wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, and several of his grandchildren—including Rep. Omar Duterte, acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, and Isabelle Duterte—are currently in The Hague, providing much-needed familial support. Rep. Omar Duterte, speaking to supporters who gathered outside the ICC, provided a glimpse into his grandfather’s current state. "He is doing fine. He’s okay. We had a long chat with Isabelle and our grandmother, Elizabeth. We are very happy for the opportunity to talk to him and grateful since we were with our grandmother," he recounted, as reported by Manila Bulletin.
Zimmerman, for her part, noted changes in the former president’s appearance, sharing a light-hearted family moment. She described how Duterte has grown a beard, which he intends to keep until his release. "I did not like it, so I told him to shave, but he refused. Former President Duterte wants to maintain it until he goes out. I told him by Christmas he might already look like Santa Claus," Zimmerman joked, highlighting the family’s attempt to maintain some levity in a difficult time.
The support from the Filipino community, both at home and abroad, has been a source of strength for the Duterte family. Zimmerman and Rep. Omar, with Isabelle, extended their gratitude to those who have continued to visit the so-called Duterte Street and park near the ICC, even braving heavy rain to show their solidarity. "To everyone who keeps supporting FPRRD and our family, thank you. That gives us strength—your support and devotion to him. Let’s continue to pray for his health and, of course, for the Philippines," Rep. Omar said, echoing the family’s appreciation for the outpouring of support.
The legal case against former President Duterte has sharply divided public opinion, both in the Philippines and among the diaspora. Supporters argue that the ICC’s actions are politically motivated and that Duterte’s war on drugs was a necessary, if controversial, step to address the country’s longstanding drug problem. They see the rallies in Japan as a vital demonstration of unity and resistance against what they perceive as foreign interference in domestic affairs. Critics, on the other hand, point to the staggering death toll and the reports of extrajudicial killings as evidence that justice must be served, regardless of the former president’s popularity or political connections. Human rights organizations have continued to pressure the ICC to pursue the case vigorously, citing the need for accountability and the protection of basic human rights.
As the rallies in Japan approach, all eyes will be on the turnout and the message delivered by Vice President Duterte and her supporters. Will their calls sway international opinion or put pressure on the ICC? Or will the legal process continue unabated, immune to the political theater playing out beyond the walls of The Hague? The coming days may offer some answers, but for now, the Duterte family and their supporters remain steadfast in their campaign, buoyed by the hope that their efforts will make a difference.
For the Duterte family, the struggle is as much about personal resilience as it is about politics. With relatives keeping vigil in The Hague and supporters gathering worldwide, the story of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s detention continues to unfold—marked by moments of humor, frustration, and unwavering loyalty. As the vice president heads to Japan, the world watches to see what impact, if any, these rallies will have on the fate of one of the Philippines’ most polarizing figures.