Rodrigo Duterte Considering Australia for Possible Release, Confirms VP Sara

Former president Rodrigo Duterte is considering Australia as a potential location for his interim release, as revealed by his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte during a recent trip to the country. Sara confirmed this information during an interview, mentioning that Australia is among the countries being considered by their legal team. However, she clarified that her visit to Australia was not related to the interim release discussions.

GMA News Online reached out to former presidential legal counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo for confirmation, but he stated that he had no information on the matter. Sara Duterte explained that her visit to Australia aimed to engage with the international community and the Filipino community there regarding the International Criminal Court and the case against her father, as well as the current administration under President Marcos.

Despite attempting to schedule a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Sara was unable to do so during her visit. She expressed hope for a future meeting with Australian government officials on her next visit. The case against Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC involves allegations of crimes against humanity related to his administration's drug war. His legal team has requested his release to an undisclosed country, arguing that he is not a flight risk and citing humanitarian reasons due to his age.

The prosecution is expected to respond to the ICC regarding Duterte's request for interim release.

According to the source: GMA Network.