MANILA, Philippines – Even behind bars at the International Criminal Court (ICC), former President Rodrigo Duterte is still cracking jokes and handing out classic “Digong-style” advice — this time, through personal messages sent to his children and shared by daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte.
In screenshots posted by Kitty on social media, the former president sent heartwarming and cheeky messages to each of his children — Vice President Sara Duterte, Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Kitty, and even his great-granddaughter Mira — all while being detained in The Hague, Netherlands over charges related to “Oplan Tokhang.”
Soft Side, Savage Banter
While Duterte expressed deep affection, he also couldn’t resist dropping playful digs — especially aimed at Baste, who made headlines recently over his fiery feud with PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III.
Here’s a breakdown of his messages:
- To Veronica and Mira:
“I love you. You are growing up beautifully and you are my eternal joy.” - To Sara, Pulong, and Baste:
“I love you all. I am so proud of what you are doing and how you hold high the name of our family.”
Then came the signature Duterte zingers:
- “Pulong: Do your job and do what is right.”
- “Inday: Keep up your good work. God will remember it.”
- “Baste: Add more girls to add your headache. More success, mayor!”
- “Kitty: Stay beautiful and earn more money.”
- “Mira: Study hard and remember that dada loves you very much!”
Family Longing from Detention
According to former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, Duterte has been missing family visits, noting that partner Honeylet Avanceña has failed to visit him four times in a row.
It’s a rare glimpse into the emotional state of the 80-year-old former leader, who now faces the consequences of a drug war that claimed thousands of lives.
Still Digong, Even in Detention
Though facing charges of crimes against humanity, Duterte’s tone in his messages remained familiar — mixing stern advice with humor and familial love.
The post has since gone viral, with many supporters praising the former president’s unwavering spirit, while critics called it a distraction from the gravity of his ICC case.
One netizen wrote:
“Duterte pa rin. Mapang-asar pero mapagmahal.”
Another clapped back:
“Sweet messages won’t erase the bloodshed. We haven’t forgotten.”
