Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly confirmed that her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, remains in good condition despite his ongoing detention in The Netherlands and swirling questions about his health and memory. Yet, the debate over whether the elder Duterte is mentally fit to stand trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) continues to stir controversy and speculation both in the Philippines and abroad.
In a series of interviews at the House of Representatives on September 16 and 17, 2025, Sara Duterte described a recent conversation she had with her father, which took place last Friday, September 12. According to her, the two discussed a range of topics, including politics, flood control, and even aspects of his personal life. "Last Friday, he called. He’s OK. We talked about politics. We talked about flood control. We talked about his love life," she said, as reported by Manila Bulletin.
Despite her reassurances about his general well-being, Sara Duterte drew a careful line when pressed on the issue of her father’s mental fitness to face trial. "I am not an expert to determine the capacity of a witness, of an accused," she told reporters, declining to elaborate further on whether her father’s memory remained sharp. This cautious stance comes as speculation about the former president’s cognitive health has grown in recent weeks, with various reports suggesting that he may be experiencing memory problems.
The question of Duterte’s fitness for trial is now at the heart of his legal defense before the ICC. The former president faces charges related to his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, a policy that drew both fierce domestic support and international condemnation. Duterte is currently detained in The Netherlands as the court considers his case. On August 18, his defense team filed a request arguing that he "is not fit to stand trial as a result of cognitive impairment in multiple domains." This claim, if substantiated, could have significant implications for the proceedings and for Duterte’s future.
However, not everyone is convinced by the defense’s argument. Joel Butuyan, president of the Center for International Law, openly criticized what he characterized as a legal maneuver designed to delay the trial and seek interim release for Duterte. "The latest filing by Duterte’s legal team was only a delaying tactic after previous motions had been denied," Butuyan asserted, according to Philippine Daily Inquirer. He called the claims of a "deteriorating cognitive condition" baseless, suggesting that the defense was grasping at straws after earlier efforts failed to sway the court.
For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized the importance of relying on expert assessments rather than speculation. "I think there will be a hearing on the competency so let’s just wait for the experts from both sides, the ICC, the prosecution, the defense side. I am sure the experts will be able to tell what is the problem," she said. She reiterated that it would be best to wait for the findings of medical professionals before drawing any conclusions about her father’s ability to participate in his own defense. "It is better to wait for what the experts at the ICC will say regarding the issue," she added, echoing her earlier comments to the press.
The upcoming hearing on Duterte’s competency is expected to feature testimony and findings from medical experts representing both the prosecution and defense. The outcome could determine whether the former president will be required to stand trial or whether his health issues will preclude further proceedings, at least for the time being. The stakes are high, not only for Duterte himself but also for the broader questions of accountability and justice in the Philippines.
Amid the legal drama, Sara Duterte has continued her own political and advocacy activities. On September 17, she announced plans to visit the Senate to meet with a senator, though she declined to identify the individual. "I am not updated on what’s happening in the Senate but I am there tomorrow, not for a budget hearing. I will visit a senator," she explained, as reported by ABS-CBN News. She clarified that her visit would not involve Senator Imee Marcos, with whom she maintains daily communication, or Senator Robinhood Padilla, whom she plans to meet later in Japan.
Indeed, the vice president is set to fly to Tokyo and Nagoya on September 20 and 21 for separate gatherings with the Filipino community. These events are part of a broader campaign to rally support for her father’s freedom, underscoring the ongoing intersection of legal, political, and familial loyalties in this high-profile case. Sara Duterte confirmed her attendance to the organizers, reinforcing her commitment to advocating on her father’s behalf both at home and abroad.
Meanwhile, the details of Sara Duterte’s conversation with her father on alleged irregularities in flood control projects remain under wraps. "It is prohibited to disclose the issue discussed inside (the detention cell of Duterte) so I cannot divulge what he said," she stated, maintaining a strict confidentiality about sensitive matters raised during their call.
The former president’s legal predicament has become a lightning rod for political debate in the Philippines. Supporters argue that the ICC’s prosecution is an affront to national sovereignty and an attempt to undermine a leader who, in their view, acted decisively against the country’s drug crisis. Critics, on the other hand, insist that Duterte must be held accountable for alleged human rights abuses committed under his watch, regardless of his current health status.
As the legal process unfolds, the question of Rodrigo Duterte’s competency will remain at the forefront. The scheduled hearing promises to be a pivotal moment, with medical experts expected to provide clarity on his cognitive condition. For now, the only certainty is uncertainty—both for Duterte’s fate and for the broader search for justice in the Philippines.
With the eyes of the nation and the international community trained on The Hague, the coming weeks are likely to bring new developments and, perhaps, some long-awaited answers. For Sara Duterte and her family, the ordeal is both deeply personal and profoundly political—a test of resilience, loyalty, and the rule of law.
