Sara Duterte ICC case developments continue as Vice President Sara Duterte said there has been no final decision to replace the legal team of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Vice President Sara Duterte said there has been no final decision to replace the legal team of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, as discussions continue amid his ongoing case before the International Criminal Court (ICC), a development that keeps public focus on the direction of his legal defense and the broader implications of the proceedings.

In a recent interview, the Vice President clarified that claims about an imminent change in her father’s defense lawyers are inaccurate. She stressed that while the issue has been discussed, no formal move has been made to remove or replace the current legal counsel handling matters related to the ICC. According to her, decisions of this nature require careful consideration and remain solely within the authority of the former president.

The Vice President explained that conversations within the family often touch on legal and personal concerns, but these should not be interpreted as confirmations of major legal actions. She added that public statements circulating on social media and various platforms may have overstated the situation, leading to misunderstandings about the status of the defense team.

Rodrigo Duterte is facing an ICC investigation linked to alleged crimes committed during the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign when he was still in office. The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, but the court has maintained that it retains jurisdiction over alleged acts committed while the country was still a member. The former president has consistently rejected the court’s authority and has previously stated he would not cooperate with its proceedings.

Legal analysts note that discussions about defense strategies are common in cases of this magnitude, especially those involving international courts. However, they point out that replacing legal counsel can have procedural consequences, including delays as new lawyers familiarize themselves with extensive case records. For this reason, any potential change is often approached cautiously.

The Vice President reiterated that her role is not to manage or direct the legal defense but to support her father as a family member. She emphasized respect for legal processes while maintaining that any official decisions would be communicated by the former president or his authorized representatives.

The issue has also sparked renewed public debate, reflecting the continued political influence of the Duterte family and the strong reactions surrounding the ICC case. Supporters and critics alike have closely followed developments, viewing them as indicative of how the former president intends to approach the international proceedings.

For now, the Vice President said the public should refrain from drawing conclusions based on incomplete information. She added that while discussions may continue privately, no announcement should be expected unless a clear decision is reached.

As the ICC case progresses, attention remains on how the defense team will navigate the complex legal landscape and whether strategic adjustments will be made. Until then, officials have urged caution in interpreting reports, underscoring that not all discussions translate into immediate legal action.