FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte will spend his first Christmas in detention without face-to-face visitors, according to his daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte.
Speaking to supporters outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility on Dec. 22, Veronica revealed that the family was recently informed of the no-visit policy for Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Following her latest visit, which lasted longer than previous sessions, Veronica shared updates on her father’s condition. While describing him as “strong as usual” and “lively,” she noted that his health requires strict monitoring.
“I wasn’t going to give him his usual snacks anymore because his sugar spiked today,” she told the media. “He had only gluten-free nuts. That’s the only thing I can give because we cannot risk spiking your sugar.”
The former president reportedly spent the visit asking for news from the Philippines and Davao City.
However, the news that the facility would be closed to visitors on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 reportedly took a toll on the former leader’s morale.
“He was quite disappointed. His face really fell when I told him we couldn’t visit on Christmas and New Year,” Veronica said.
Despite the restriction, she detailed a plan to remain close to the facility. For instance, Veronica, her mother, Honeylet Avanceña, and other family members plan to stay just outside the detention walls on Christmas Eve. They will be joined by a mix of Filipino and international supporters.
“I told him perhaps on the night of the 24th, I’ll just wait for him there. Shout or something. I told him we’re close, we’re just outside,” she said.
Message to Supporters
Marking nine months since the former president’s detention began, Veronica thanked followers who have maintained a presence in The Hague.
“I saw how much support there was and how all of you had kept up the faith in us, but most especially him,” she said. “I hope you know how much this means to our family—seeing the love, support, respect, and admiration you continuously give.”
The meeting between the father and daughter reportedly ended with a prayer.
Recently, former president Duterte’s defense team requested a new medical report, citing his physical frailty and “cognitive state” as grounds for provisional release ahead of a scheduled detention review in January 2026.
