Veronica “Kitty” Duterte voiced strong support for her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, following a key ruling by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber affirming the court's jurisdiction over his case.
In a brief statement posted by the Facebook account Alvin & Tourism, Kitty shared a personal message she had sent to her father when he was flown to The Hague, expressing loyalty and pride. “I will forever walk with pride knowing that I am your daughter… I will stand by the promise I made you today. I love you,” she said, adding that she is prepared to face any challenge for her family. The ICC Appeals Chamber, in a decision dated April 22, confirmed that the tribunal has jurisdiction over the case, rejecting the defense’s appeal and affirming an earlier ruling by the Pre-Trial Chamber. Duterte is accused of crimes against humanity, particularly murder and attempted murder under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute, allegedly linked to a widespread and systematic attack against civilians during the government’s controversial anti-drug campaign. Despite the development, Kitty emphasized her father’s resilience, stating, “There is nothing and no one on this earth I will not face for my family, for my papa.” She added that his strength remains intact, saying, “He’s strong as ever… while his body might become frail, his spirit remains unbroken.” She also highlighted the continued influence of the Duterte family in public life, mentioning Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte as bearers of the former president’s legacy. Quoting from the poem Invictus, which she said her father wanted emphasized, Kitty underscored a message of defiance: “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” She further asserted that his influence would endure, saying his “immortality” would live on in supporters and future generations. She concluded by addressing critics, noting that while her father remains a polarizing figure, he continues to command strong support. “There will always be millions who love him just as much or even more,” she said. The ICC’s affirmation of jurisdiction marks a significant step in the proceedings, paving the way for further legal action in a case that continues to generate intense political and public debate.
By majority decision, the five-judge panel upheld its October 23, 2025, ruling, stating that the Court retains authority to hear alleged crimes committed in the Philippines from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019, when the country was still a state party to the Rome Statute.
