VP Sara Duterte attends ‘Pasasalamat kay PRRD’ event amid ICC arrest warrant rumors

Metro Manila, Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte attended the Pasasalamat kay PRRD event at Southorn Stadium in Hong Kong on Sunday, March 9, drawing thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid circulating rumors that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The event, organized as a political sortie for the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), was attended by Duterte and key supporters, including members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). According to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), the gathering was held to express gratitude to OFWs for their support.

VP Sara Thanks OFWs, KOJC

In her speech aired over SMNI YouTube Channel, Vice President Duterte first expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong government, the Hong Kong police, and KOJC for helping organize the event. She also thanked Filipino workers for attending despite it being a rest day for many.

“Hindi natin gusto na umalis ang ating mga kababayan sa Pilipinas. Pero marami sa atin, dahil walang oportunidad sa ating bayan ay nakikipagsapalaran sa iba’t ibang lugar sa mundo para sa inyong mga pamilya,” she said.

[TRANSLATION: We do not want our fellow Filipinos to leave the Philippines. But many of us, due to a lack of opportunities in our own country, take risks in different parts of the world to support our families].

Duterte also acknowledged the support of KOJC founder Apollo Quiboloy, currently facing legal controversies, and referenced personal struggles that led her to enter politics.

She recalled Quiboloy telling her, “ikaw kahit ano man ang sabihin nila, sabihin man nila na kasalanan mo ang lahat ng ito Inday Sara, kasalanan mo ito dahil hindi ka tumakbong pangulo.”

[TRANSLATION: No matter what they say, even if they blame you, Inday Sara it’s because you did not run for president]

Crowds Gather, Some OFWs Unable to Enter

The stadium quickly reached full capacity, leaving many OFWs outside. Norma Telanjali, a 45-year-old domestic worker from Northern Samar who has worked in Hong Kong for nine years, attempted to attend but had to leave due to the overcrowding.

Despite this, she expressed appreciation for Duterte’s visit.

“Nakikita ko nagtatrabaho po siya (VP Sara Duterte) para sa bansa at para sa mga Pilipino hangad niya umangat ang bansang Pilipinas,” she told NewsWatch Plus.

[TRANSLATION: I see her working for the country and for Filipinos. She wants the Philippines to prosper]

Telanjali also dismissed corruption allegations against Duterte, particularly regarding confidential funds.

Duterte Reminisces About 2016 Victory, Hints at 2028

Duterte’s speech also took on a campaign-like tone, as she recalled the support her father received in the 2016 presidential election.

"Noong 2016 ay nagkita-kita din tayo para sa Pagpapasalamat Tapang at Malasakit at suporta sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Duterte. “Nagpapalsamat po ako dahil from 2016 hanggang 2025 ay andyan pa rin kayo para sa bayan,” she said.

[TRANSLATION: In 2016, we came together for ‘Tapang at Malasakit’ in support of President Duterte’s administration. I am grateful that from 2016 until now, in 2025, you have stood by us.]

She then jokingly referenced the upcoming 2028 elections.

“Sunod po ay personal pa rin ang pagpapasalamat sa tulong ninyo sa suporta inyo para sa akin at sa boto ninyo nong nakaraang halaan 2022…At sa susunod na halalan sa 2028… joke lang,” VP Sara said.

[TRANSLATION: "Next, I want to personally thank you for your support, for helping me, and for your votes in the 2022 elections… And in the next elections in 2028… just kidding.]

Rumors Swirl Over ICC Arrest Warrant

The event took place amid unverified reports that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with the thousands of killings during his administration’s war on drugs.

Rodrigo Duterte reportedly left the Philippines on March 7, sparking speculation that he was fleeing the country due to the rumored warrant. A video circulating online showed him at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, further fueling discussions.

The Philippine government has yet to confirm the existence of a warrant. However, Malacañang stated that it is prepared for any developments.

"We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. The government is prepared for any eventuality," Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz said.

PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated that if the ICC were to request assistance from Interpol, the Philippine government would be "obliged to follow."

Rodrigo Duterte was expected to address the gathered OFWs later in the day.