Former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, sent birthday greetings to Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa on his 64th birthday on Wednesday, January 21.

The message was delivered by Duterte’s daughter and Vice President, Sara Duterte, during her visit to the Netherlands on Thursday, January 22.

After meeting with her father, the Vice President shared that the ex-president wished Dela Rosa to “stand firm like a rock.”

"Kanina nag-usap kami ni Pangulong Duterte at sinabi ko sa kanya na birthday ni Senator Bato Dela Rosa. Sabi ko, ‘Meron ka bang message kay Sen, Bato Dela Rosa?’ Sabi niya, ‘Happy Birthday, Sen. Bato. Magpakatigas ka na parang bato,” the Vice President said.

VP Sara also conveyed her personal wishes for the senator’s good health, happiness, and continued success.

During the visit, she provided a brief update on her father’s health, noting that while he is experiencing some difficulty walking, his condition remains stable.

Dela Rosa has not attended sessions in the Senate since reports surfaced about a supposed ICC warrant of arrest against him.