Duterte thanks Marcos for renewed relationship with detained dad

Metro Manila, Philippines - Detention has a way of mending estranged relationships, something that Vice President Sara Duterte has acknowledged with her father and former president, Rodrigo Duterte, in the Netherlands, thanks to ally-turned-foe President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In an interview in The Hague, Duterte said she has more time to talk to her father when assisting him in the International Criminal Court detention center, and things have turned for the better.

“This is ironic but I have to thank Bongbong Marcos because there was forgiveness between me and PRRD (former President Rodrigo Duterte) for all that has happened in our lives,” she said.

“This has been one of the longest meetings I have had with the former president. Growing up he’s always busy with work, busy with the country. Now I have this everyday talking about life, talking about family,” the vice president added.

However, Duterte said she is sad that reconciliation had to happen while her father was in detention.

Early last month, the Marcos administration cooperated with the International Criminal Police Organization, which led to Duterte's arrest and detention on charges of crimes against humanity for murder linked to his bloody war on drugs.

Kitty, the vice president’s sibling who is also in The Hague, said the family has never been more united since the former president’s arrest.

The vice president said she feels “blessed” to have gained a sister after facing legal challenges.

Kitty said the family is arranging dates for the possible arrival of other siblings, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, in the Netherlands.