Duterte’s wish granted: All kids in The Hague

MANILA, Philippines —  Detained former president Rodrigo Duterte’s wish was fulfilled after his four children – Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and youngest daughter Veronica – visited him on Wednesday ahead of his upcoming confirmation of charges hearing of the pre-trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Sept. 23.

“He’s happy that he was able to talk to us. It was a bit noisy earlier because the three, four of us were talking at the same time,” the Vice President said.

She thanked the ICC for allowing the four of them to visit their father.

She added that during their visit, they talked about their family and politics.

“No concrete plans about the future but we talked about what’s happening now and what may happen tomorrow, next year and three years from now,” the Vice President said.

She also said that supporters of the former president will gather from Sept. 19 to 24 in time for the confirmation of charges of her father.

She added that the Filipino community in Japan will also hold gatherings on Sept. 21 to 22 as part of the campaign to free the former president.

The Vice President refused to comment on the statement of the head of her father’s defense legal team Nicholas Kaufman to meet with President Marcos to negotiate the release of his client.

Kaufman has said that he is willing to fly to the Philippines if Marcos would invite him, sit down with him and explain that nothing would happen if he would allow Duterte to go back to Davao. –  Bella Cariaso