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‘I Miss You All’: Emotional Duterte marks 81st birthday from ICC detention

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte expressed his deep longing for the Filipino people as he marked his 81st birthday behind bars, moved to tears by videos of global celebrations held in his honor.

During a two-hour visit by Davao congressman Paolo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Center, the former leader was shown a compilation of photos and videos documenting festivities from the streets of Davao City to the Philippine embassy in Tokyo and the plazas of The Hague.

“I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, each and every one outside of this prison, and everywhere in the Philippines, wherever you find yourself in the world,” Duterte said in a statement released following the visit. “Thank you for the love and support. I miss you all.”

Despite his detention, supporters organized synchronized events across the globe. 

The lawmaker joined supporters in The Hague, while Vice President Sara Duterte and Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte led local tributes in their home stronghold of Davao City.

The former President was reportedly “amazed” by the massive crowds that gathered for marches in Shibuya, Japan, and the Netherlands. 

He also expressed pride in the food distribution programs conducted in the name of January Duterte, which reached marginalized communities across the country.

The visit was described as an “emotionally intense” two hours.

Those present noted that the former President cycled through a range of emotions—laughing at a video of former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo dancing, and reminiscing about past birthdays in Davao.

He shared lighthearted anecdotes of his younger years, recalling a tradition where he would paint his forehead with chicken blood to honor his birthday.

As a “special gift,” the visit concluded with Duterte watching footage of the Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 pageant. 

The former Davao City mayor reportedly explained the mechanics of the competition to his visitors, emphasizing its cultural importance to the city he led for decades.

While the former President had initially expressed a desire not to celebrate his birthday this year, his legal and support team noted a significant shift in his morale after seeing the outpouring of support.

Duterte closed his message with a characteristic blessing: “God bless you, God bless our country, the Philippines.”

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103 families affected by Magtuod fire receive aid from Dutertes

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A TOTAL of 103 families displaced by a fire in Lower Dampa, Barangay Magtuod, received relief assistance through the joint efforts of the offices of Vice Mayor Rodrigo ‘Rigo’ Duterte II and Rep. Paolo Duterte.

The families, whose homes were destroyed in the recent fire incident, were provided with various forms of assistance aimed at helping them recover from the disaster.

According to local officials, the affected residents received food packs, mineral water, water containers, kitchen utensils, and personal disaster emergency kits to support their immediate needs following the incident.

In addition to the relief goods, the families also received cash assistance, which was personally delivered by Duterte during the distribution activity.

The assistance was organized through the offices of Vice Mayor Duterte and Rep. Paolo Duterte, as part of their continuing efforts to extend support to communities affected by emergencies and calamities.

Local leaders emphasized that the relief distribution aims to help families cope with the immediate challenges brought about by the fire while they begin rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.

Barangay officials also expressed gratitude for the quick response and support extended to the victims, noting that the assistance would help ease the burden of families who lost their homes and belongings in the incident.

Authorities continue to coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure that the affected families receive further assistance as they recover from the disaster.

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The DPWH XI photo shows a flood control project on the downstream section of the Lasang River
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NBI to look into alleged anomalous or ghost flood control projects in Davao Region

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

The DPWH XI photo shows a flood control project on the downstream section of the Lasang River

    THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation Public Corruption Division will launch a probe into possible anomalies and ghost flood control projects in Davao Region.

    Atty. Arcelito Albao, the NBI-SEMRO director, confirmed on Wednesday that the regional office will act as a support unit for the NBI Manila’s Public Corruption Division, which is leading the investigation.

    “NBI Manila’s Public Corruption Division is investigating this matter. We at the regional offices are only support,” Albao said in a message to TIMES. 

    When asked if the investigation will cover projects dating back to 2016 and if a team from Manila is already in Davao, Albao stated, “We are just about to start. We don’t know yet.” 

    He also did not specify which particular areas would be investigated. 

    When asked specifically about the flood control projects of 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, Albao said, “We don’t know yet. I will update you.” 

    “We will ask the NBI Manila,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson for the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel that she has no personal knowledge about any looming investigation.

    Nevertheless, she promised to ask station commanders if the NBI had already coordinated with their offices for the investigation.

    The announcement comes as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues its investigation into substandard and “ghost” flood control projects nationwide. Malacañang has also formed an independent commission to build cases for prosecution.

    Rep. Duterte denies ghost projects

    In a recent statement, Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte denied the existence of “ghost projects” in his district, stressing that the funds went to visible, functioning infrastructure.

    “If you really want to look for ghost projects under that ₱51 billion, go ahead, investigate it all,” he said. “Show the records, look at the ground. The truth is there—projects that can be seen, built, and used by the people of Davao.”

    He challenged investigators to find the evidence, stating, “We Davaoeños are taxpayers too… If these are really ghost projects, let’s show them to the public. That’s our money.”

    Duterte demanded that investigators “show all the budget, release all the projects,” and not just hide them on paper. “Show us in the district if there’s a real road, a bridge, a canal, a hospital, or if they were just drawings,” he said.

    The DPWH City Engineering Office revealed that the actual budget for Davao City’s flood control and other infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2022 was over ₱49 billion, not the previously cited ₱51 billion. 

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    Father’s request

    by Rhoda Grace Saron
    written by Rhoda Grace Saron
    • Duterte siblings gathered in The Hague to visit FPRRD

    THREE of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s children gathered in The Hague in response to the request of their father, adding a dramatic chapter to the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings.

    In a video circulating online, Vice President Duterte was seen with her siblings, First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte and Veronica “Kitty” Duterte. It is currently unknown if their brother, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, will join them.

    The presence of the prominent political family in the Netherlands, home of the ICC, created a stir.

    “We are all here as we were called by our father,” she said in the brief clip. 

    She added a cryptic reference to a symbolic handover of “ang bato ni Darna.” Directly translated as “Darna’s pebble” and is the source of power for a popular Filipino comic book heroine.

    The meaning behind her words sparked online debate, with some supporters interpreting it as a symbolic transfer of political leadership responsibility from father to the chosen child.

    Their father faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s controversial “war on drugs.” The ICC’s investigation into the bloody drug war has been a contentious issue.

    While the former president has consistently rejected the court’s jurisdiction and has been a fugitive from justice, his children’s appearance abroad is a significant development

    The former president’s legal team has reportedly made a fresh bid for his interim release ahead of a crucial confirmation hearing on Sept. 23, 2025. 

    Screenshot from Alvin & Tourism live video

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    Dutertes, Ungab choose to be independents in the 20th Congress

    by Nova Mae Francas
    written by Nova Mae Francas

    THREE Dutertes and 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab opted to be independent in the 20th Congress during the House opening session on Monday, July 28.

    First District Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte, 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte, and PPP Partylist Rep. Harold Duterte did not participate in the voting for House Speaker.

    Meanwhile, Ungab opted to abstain from the voting session. 

    Paolo Duterte said he chose to distance himself and refuse to be part of any blocs. 

    “I did not vote for speaker and I did not join the so-called minority because I refuse to take part in a political circus that has long forgotten who it is supposed to serve — the Filipino people,” he said. 

    “I represent the people of Davao City, not the political puppeteers nor the self-serving actors parading as public servants in Congress,” he added.

    He stressed did not run for Congress to play along with the “farce” but ran to represent the interests of his constituents.

    Ungab also echoed the similar sentiment of Duterte.

    “Members of the House who choose not to affiliate with either the majority or minority can rightfully be considered independent members,” he explained.

    Ungab cited the U.S. Congress and British Parliament, where lawmakers opt to remain independent to uphold impartiality and principle.

    “This decision reflects my commitment to serve my district and the nation without being tied to partisan interests,” Ungab added.

    Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was elected uncontested as speaker of the House of Representatives 20th Congress, after gaining 269 votes. 

    Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative and presidential son, Sandro Marcos, became the majority leader. 

    Photo courtesy of Isidro Ungab

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    Waiver and test

    by Rhoda Grace Saron
    written by Rhoda Grace Saron
    • Rep. Duterte sets more conditions for proposed Torre-Baste boxing match

    FIRST District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte added to the growing list of conditions before the proposed boxing match between Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte and PNP Director General Nicolas Torre III can push through. 

    For instance, Torre and his younger brother must sign a waiver to absolve both parties of any legal liability in case of injury or worse. 

    “If he is serious, he should sign a waiver first. Because if he gets hurt or dies, my brother will go to prison. They should sign it with a lawyer. That would be better. They are all supposedly fearless,” he said. 

    Duterte underscored the importance of accountability for public officials, particularly those in high office, asserting that this principle must extend even to activities within a boxing ring.

    Rep. Duterte also backed his brother’s condition that all elected officials must first undergo a hair follicle drug test before any boxing match takes place.

    “If they are truly clean, then they have nothing to worry about. Why are you scared? Are you hiding something? Because if they agree to the hair follicle test, I will also undergo one even if I go bald. This should be standard if we want to set a good example for the public,” he said.

    He further emphasized that public officials, especially those in uniform or holding elective positions, must prove they are not under the influence of drugs.

     “Accountability starts with transparency. You can’t be throwing punches while hiding something.”

    With that said, Duterte largely dismissed the boxing challenge as mere “pampapogi” (for show) and theatrics. 

    He suggested that if Torre genuinely wished to assist flood victims in Metro Manila and Luzon, he should simply donate his own money.“If he really wanted to help, simply donate. Nobody has to fight anyone,” he asserted.

    “This isn’t showbiz. We need public servants focused on real solutions, not side shows,” he said, adding that the country is already grappling with more pressing issues, including widespread flooding, economic pressure, and critical disaster response gaps.

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