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Advocates Philippines
VP Sara Marks Anniversary Of Father's Rendition
Congress PH FILE
Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of what she described as the extraordinary rendition of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, calling the incident a serious test of the country’s democracy and rule of law.
In a statement dated March 11, the Vice President reflected on the controversial episode, saying it served as a reminder of how fragile justice and due process can be when legal systems are subjected to political pressures.
She described the alleged rendition as a troubling event that, in her view, challenged both the principle of due process and the country’s national sovereignty.
According to her, the use of irregular processes against any individual—regardless of status or political affiliation—undermines the very foundation of justice.
“The law should never be used as a weapon for politics or personal interests,” the Vice President stressed, warning that actions perceived as bypassing legal safeguards can erode public trust in institutions.
Sara Duterte also emphasized that the issue goes beyond one person. She said incidents like these raise broader concerns about whether national institutions remain independent and free from external influence.
“A truly sovereign nation,” she said, “is one where its institutions operate independently and without interference or dictates from outside forces.”
As the anniversary is observed, the Vice President called on Filipinos to remain vigilant in safeguarding democratic institutions. She stressed that the country’s legal and political systems must remain free, fair, and resilient, especially in times when justice may be challenged.
She also underscored that every Filipino deserves the full protection of the Constitution, saying no citizen should be denied their rights under the law.
In closing, Duterte urged the public to stand united in protecting the nation’s dignity and sovereignty, calling on citizens to continue defending the country’s honor and democratic values.
“Let us build a Philippines where the law serves as a shield for justice and where our sovereignty is respected by all,” she said, ending her message with a call to love the country for God, for the nation, and for every Filipino family.
In a statement dated March 11, the Vice President reflected on the controversial episode, saying it served as a reminder of how fragile justice and due process can be when legal systems are subjected to political pressures.
She described the alleged rendition as a troubling event that, in her view, challenged both the principle of due process and the country’s national sovereignty.
According to her, the use of irregular processes against any individual—regardless of status or political affiliation—undermines the very foundation of justice.
“The law should never be used as a weapon for politics or personal interests,” the Vice President stressed, warning that actions perceived as bypassing legal safeguards can erode public trust in institutions.
Sara Duterte also emphasized that the issue goes beyond one person. She said incidents like these raise broader concerns about whether national institutions remain independent and free from external influence.
“A truly sovereign nation,” she said, “is one where its institutions operate independently and without interference or dictates from outside forces.”
As the anniversary is observed, the Vice President called on Filipinos to remain vigilant in safeguarding democratic institutions. She stressed that the country’s legal and political systems must remain free, fair, and resilient, especially in times when justice may be challenged.
She also underscored that every Filipino deserves the full protection of the Constitution, saying no citizen should be denied their rights under the law.
In closing, Duterte urged the public to stand united in protecting the nation’s dignity and sovereignty, calling on citizens to continue defending the country’s honor and democratic values.
“Let us build a Philippines where the law serves as a shield for justice and where our sovereignty is respected by all,” she said, ending her message with a call to love the country for God, for the nation, and for every Filipino family.
Mar 11, 2026
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