Palace to VP Duterte: Don't forget role in PH

Metro Manila, Philippines – A Palace official reminded Vice President Sara Duterte of her responsibilities back home while forming the defense team for her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that while it is understandable that the vice president is helping her father, she must not lose sight of her task.

"Tingin ko dapat po isipin po niya na kailangan din po siya ng Pilipinas bilang bise presidente. Siya po dapat ay nagtatrabaho hindi lang para sa kanyang ama, although na acceptable po at maiintindihan po natin sa ngayon ang kanyang nararamdaman," said Castro.

[Translation: Duterte should think that the country also needs her as vice president. She should work not only for her father, although we understand her sentiments at this time.]

"Pero tandaan din po niya, sinasabi niya po milyon na Pilipino ang bumoto sa kaniya at kailangan din po niyang pagsilbihan ito," she added.

[Translation: But she should also remember, she had said that millions of Filipinos voted for her and she needs to serve them as well.]

In response, Duterte said she would not return from The Netherlands on certain terms.

“I will be here until the legal team is doing their work already and another relative is here to assist him,” she said.

The vice president said her father has repeatedly told her to come home.