Duterte will not say sorry in ICC detention – Baste

Metro Manila, Philippines – Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte said his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, will not apologize for his actions in office while detained at the International Criminal Court.

Speaking to supporters after visiting the former president at the ICC detention facility in The Hague, Netherland, the younger Duterte said his father believed his policies were for the sake of the country.

“Kung ano man yung ginawa niya, ginawa niya para sa bayan niya. Hindi kami magso-sorry,” Sebastian Duterte said.

[Translation: Whatever he did, he did for his country. We will not say sorry.]

The former leader is awaiting the ICC ruling if a trial would be held for the charges linked to thousands of killings during his anti-drug campaign from his term as mayor until he became president.

Baste said his father was aware that his policies could eventually lead to legal challenges but accepted the risks as part of leadership.

“Yung tatay ko, handa talaga siya na kung mangyari man ito sa kanya, isasakripisyo niya talaga,” he said.

[Translation: My father was really prepared that if this ever happened to him, he would be willing to sacrifice.]

The Davao mayor also thanked supporters for continuing to back his father despite the international case, saying their support and prayers have strengthened the former president and his family.

“As a Davaoeño, thank you for believing in Mayor Rodrigo Duterte,” he said.

Sebastian Duterte also urged supporters to participate in upcoming elections and use their vote to influence the country’s political direction.

“May election naman tayo. Gamitin ninyo ang power to vote ninyo,” he said.

[Translation: “We have elections. Use your power to vote.]

He also referenced Vice President Sara Duterte when discussing future leadership in the country. Sara has declared her presidential bid for the 2028 general elections. 

Judges are also expected to decide within 60 days whether to confirm crimes against humanity charges against Duterte, who has been in ICC custody since March 2025 after being surrendered to the court in connection with killings linked to his administration’s war on drugs.