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'Para Siyang Naka-Hostage': VP Sara Duterte Jokes About Sen. Imee Marcos; Ties Remarks To Her Father's Detention At The Hague
Screengrab frm OVP
During an Independence Day celebration with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Malaysia, Vice President Sara Duterte made striking remarks about her political ally and close friend, Senator Imee Marcos—linking her presence at the event to the ongoing detention of the Vice President’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In her speech, Vice President Duterte told the crowd that she had “invited” Senator Marcos to the event but jokingly added, “Para siyang naka-hostage,” drawing laughter from the audience.
“Hindi ko siya pakakawalan hanggang hindi nakakauwi ang tatay ko,” Duterte said, referring to the former president, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands. Since March, he has been facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his controversial and bloody anti-drug campaign.
The vice president directly addressed Senator Marcos in her remarks: “Dahil ang kapatid mo ang nagpadala sa kanya sa Hague, ikaw ang magbabalik sa kanya sa Pilipinas.” The line—part jest, part political statement—referred to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which has been seen as allowing greater engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including the ICC.
Senator Marcos, who was also present at the event, did not issue a public response to the comment. However, Vice President Duterte went on to acknowledge the senator’s recent participation in the impeachment proceedings that have put their political alliance in an even brighter spotlight.
“Iyon po ang kabuuan ng explanation ng sinasabi ko... Marami ang nagsabi sa akin na naipaliwanag niya nang maayos kung ano ba iyong nangyayari sa impeachment na ginagawa,” Duterte said, referring to the senator’s explanations during the Senate's convening as an impeachment court on June 10.
Senator Marcos, serving as one of the senator-judges in the impeachment trial, earlier took an oath to deliver impartial justice, stating her commitment to uphold the Constitution and Philippine laws. Yet, her family ties to the President and her longtime closeness to Vice President Duterte have raised questions about political loyalties and influence.
Marcos has previously said the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte was politically motivated, claiming that the real goal is to block her from running for the presidency in 2028—a move some see as plausible, given her growing visibility and grassroots support.
The episode in Malaysia may have featured lighthearted exchanges, but the backdrop remains deeply political. With former President Duterte’s fate hanging in the balance at The Hague, and his daughter now under intense political scrutiny at home, the intersection of personal loyalties and institutional responsibilities is becoming more pronounced than ever.
In her speech, Vice President Duterte told the crowd that she had “invited” Senator Marcos to the event but jokingly added, “Para siyang naka-hostage,” drawing laughter from the audience.
“Hindi ko siya pakakawalan hanggang hindi nakakauwi ang tatay ko,” Duterte said, referring to the former president, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands. Since March, he has been facing charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his controversial and bloody anti-drug campaign.
The vice president directly addressed Senator Marcos in her remarks: “Dahil ang kapatid mo ang nagpadala sa kanya sa Hague, ikaw ang magbabalik sa kanya sa Pilipinas.” The line—part jest, part political statement—referred to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which has been seen as allowing greater engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including the ICC.
Senator Marcos, who was also present at the event, did not issue a public response to the comment. However, Vice President Duterte went on to acknowledge the senator’s recent participation in the impeachment proceedings that have put their political alliance in an even brighter spotlight.
“Iyon po ang kabuuan ng explanation ng sinasabi ko... Marami ang nagsabi sa akin na naipaliwanag niya nang maayos kung ano ba iyong nangyayari sa impeachment na ginagawa,” Duterte said, referring to the senator’s explanations during the Senate's convening as an impeachment court on June 10.
Senator Marcos, serving as one of the senator-judges in the impeachment trial, earlier took an oath to deliver impartial justice, stating her commitment to uphold the Constitution and Philippine laws. Yet, her family ties to the President and her longtime closeness to Vice President Duterte have raised questions about political loyalties and influence.
Marcos has previously said the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte was politically motivated, claiming that the real goal is to block her from running for the presidency in 2028—a move some see as plausible, given her growing visibility and grassroots support.
The episode in Malaysia may have featured lighthearted exchanges, but the backdrop remains deeply political. With former President Duterte’s fate hanging in the balance at The Hague, and his daughter now under intense political scrutiny at home, the intersection of personal loyalties and institutional responsibilities is becoming more pronounced than ever.
Jun 13, 2025
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