Veronica “Kitty” Duterte shared an emotional message for her father, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, as August came to a close, recalling a cherished moment they shared during the holiday season.
In a social media post, Kitty described the end of August as “bittersweet,” noting that the month was among the few that her father particularly liked.
She shared a photo of herself with the former president during a lighting ceremony at Davao City Hall, where Rodrigo Duterte was seen turning on the lights to formally launch the city’s holiday festivities.
“This picture was taken as he lit up City Hall, with all the beautiful views and lights, in December, to initiate the festivities,” Kitty wrote.
She recalled that she arrived late to the event because she had come from her tutoring session, but said her father made sure that she would still get to participate in the ceremony with him.
“I was a little late because I came from my tutor, but he made sure I got to press the button with him,” she said.
Kitty then expressed her love and longing for her father, describing him as her “sweet Papa Rody.”
“I love you and I miss you, sweet Papa Rody. No amount of lights have ever lit up my eyes like you have,” she wrote.
She also reflected on how her upbringing with her father shaped her appreciation for music, art and poetry.
“God knows how blessed I feel to have grown up in music, art and poetry with you,” she added.
Kitty ended her message with an emotional promise to her father: “Sing with you again soon, Papa—wait for me.”
The former President was arrested in the Philippines in March 2025 pursuant to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and was subsequently surrendered to the court’s custody in The Hague, Netherlands.
The ICC has accused Duterte of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during his administration’s anti-drug campaign. His confirmation-of-charges hearings were held from February 23 to 27, 2026.
The ICC has since scheduled the opening of his trial for November 30, 2026.
Kitty has remained vocal about her father’s situation and has visited him in The Hague.
In previous statements, she has described Duterte as being in high spirits despite his detention.
