Rodrigo Duterte Expresses Desire to Die in His Homeland
RODRIGO DUTERTE – Former President Rodrigo Duterte expressed a heartfelt wish to return home, saying he hopes to die on Philippine soil.
Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, has expressed a deep desire to return to the Philippines, saying he wants to spend the rest of his life—and ultimately, his final moments—on his home soil.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who recently spoke to the media while in The Hague, shared insights from a phone conversation with her father. “He’s in good spirits,” she said, adding that the former president repeatedly voiced his wish to be back in the Philippines. “Sabi niya (he said), ‘I am an old man, I can die anytime but I want to die in my country,” she recounted.
She assured the public that her father is being properly cared for at the ICC detention facility and that his legal team continues to work diligently on his defense. Duterte also reportedly said during the call, “Everything I did, I did for my country,” a sentiment he continues to stand by despite the charges he faces.
Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11 and immediately transferred to The Hague to stand trial for crimes against humanity. The charges are related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs, which officially recorded over 6,000 deaths. However, international human rights groups estimate the number of casualties could be as high as 30,000, pointing to alleged extrajudicial killings and systemic abuses between 2016 and 2019.
His initial pretrial appearance took place on March 14 via video link, as he was unable to attend in person.
While the legal process moves forward, Duterte’s emotional plea has stirred conversations both in the Philippines and abroad. His longing to return home highlights the personal toll of a high-profile international case and the former president’s desire to end his days in the country he once led.