Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte celebrated a special birthday visitation in the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center—his partner Honeylet Avanceña and daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte were finally allowed to visit, spending his 80th birthday with him.
Vice President Sara Duterte revealed that Honeylet and Veronica arrived in The Hague on March 26, but were unable to see Duterte immediately until 1:45 PM on the 28th, with the visitation lasting about three hours. The family reunion was strongly supported by the public.
After the visit, Honeylet and Veronica briefly stayed outside the detention center, interacting and taking photos with the long-waiting supporters. Meanwhile, a large number of Duterte’s loyal supporters from across Europe came to The Hague and held a unique “birthday picnic” gathering in support. Vice President Sara Duterte attended the event and spoke on a temporary stage, thanking everyone for their support of her father.
Sara relayed Duterte’s message during the event, asking everyone not to comment on the ICC’s legal proceedings on social media and urging supporters to remain calm. Sara vehemently denounced the ICC for "political persecution" and feared asset freezing could become a new battleground.
Furthermore, regarding rumors that the International Criminal Court might freeze the Duterte family's assets, Vice President Sara Duterte strongly condemned it as "blatant harassment." She stated, “I have nothing to do with the case at the ICC. If they freeze my assets, it will prove once again that our family is suffering from unjust political persecution.”
Although the ICC has not yet formally issued an asset freezing order, the Philippine government has clearly stated its unwillingness to cooperate with the institution, as the Philippines has already withdrawn from the ICC. However, the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) indicated that it would need to consult with relevant government departments once it receives a related request.
Davao City Mayor and Duterte’s son Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, at the “Rody @ 80: Global Filipinos Unity Rally,” solemnly promised over 300,000 supporters: never give up, bring Duterte home!
Sebastian stated at the rally on Roxas Avenue in Davao City that stopping the efforts means accepting reality, which is not what they want to see. He shouted to the excited supporters, “If we give up, it means we accept all this!” and called for continued prayer meetings until Duterte is brought back to the country.
Sebastian furiously criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., suggesting that “Duterte was taken to the Netherlands because he exposed the dark aspects of the Marcos government's 2025 budget.”
“You were deceived into voting for Marcos!” Sebastian angrily said, “It’s time to wake up!”
All in the family: Duterte’s children vow to fight to the end
First District Representative and Duterte’s eldest son Paolo “Pulong” Duterte passionately stated at the rally that they will not give up or betray the Filipino people, “We will fight alongside our father until the last moment!”
Paolo angrily said, “My father once fully supported the military, police, teachers, and medical staff, but now, he is being tried in a foreign country!”
Nationwide prayer meetings erupted, demanding Duterte’s return to the country!
According to data provided by the PDP-Laban party, over 78 cities and regions have held prayer meetings calling for Duterte’s release.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s case in the Netherlands is still progressing, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) scheduled to hold a charge confirmation hearing on September 25. Amidst the shocking cries of supporters, the Duterte family and their allies vow to fight to the end, never letting the Philippines’ “iron-fisted leader” be exiled overseas!
