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Veronica “Kitty” Duterte

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Duterte camp moves to declare ICC arrest illegal before Supreme Court

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

VERONICA “Kitty” Duterte has filed a second “Urgent Motion to Resolve” before the Supreme Court, seeking the immediate resolution of pending habeas corpus petitions filed on behalf of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The motion petitioned the High Tribunal to declare the former leader’s arrest—intended for his turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC)—as illegal.

Furthermore, the Duterte camp is urging the Supreme Court to compel the Philippine government and named respondents to take all necessary measures to facilitate the former president’s return to the Philippines.

Defense counsel Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. highlighted the “unreasonable delay” in resolving petitions first filed in March 2025, arguing that the inaction jeopardizes the former leader’s constitutional rights.

The filing cites Senate Resolution No. 44, a measure designed to protect Filipino citizens from being surrendered to foreign jurisdictions without exhaustive local legal remedies.

The urgency of the filing comes on the heels of a high-stakes standoff at the Senate involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. 

The Duterte camp pointed to this incident—linked to the alleged enforcement of ICC warrants—as clear evidence of an imminent “legal crisis” that requires the Supreme Court’s intervention.

“The continued silence of the Court amid these brazen attempts at rendition is no longer tenable,” the motion stated, citing the need for immediate judicial protection against foreign-led arrests.

If granted, the habeas corpus petition would effectively challenge the legality of any state cooperation with the ICC, potentially setting a landmark precedent on Philippine sovereignty and the jurisdiction of international courts over former heads of state.

The Supreme Court has yet to issue a response on the new motion.

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‘Invictus’: Kitty Duterte defies ICC ruling following jurisdiction loss

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

VERONICA “Kitty” Duterte, the youngest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, broke her silence on Thursday with a defiant message, following a major legal setback for her father at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Her statement comes after the ICC Appeals Chamber officially confirmed the court’s jurisdiction over the investigation into the “war on drugs,” rejecting the appeal filed by the former president’s defense team.

In an interview with Alvin & Tourism, which quickly gained traction on social media, Kitty Duterte addressed her father’s critics directly, suggesting that political and legal opposition would fail to diminish his legacy.

“No matter how much you hate PRRD, there will always be millions who loved him just as much or even more,” she wrote. “If you think you will win, no, you won’t, because either way—Invictus.”

The term “Invictus” (Latin for “unconquered”) is a direct reference to the Victorian-era poem by William Ernest Henley, which famously celebrates resilience and personal autonomy in the face of adversity.

She echoed the poem’s closing lines to characterize her father’s stance:

“I am the master of my own destiny, I am the captain of my own soul.”

By rejecting the defense’s appeal, the ICC has cleared a significant procedural hurdle, allowing the prosecutor to continue investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed during the administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The Duterte defense team had argued that the ICC lost jurisdiction when the Philippines officially withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the court maintained that it retains authority over crimes allegedly committed while the country was still a member state.

While human rights advocates hailed the ICC ruling as a step toward accountability, the Duterte family continues to frame the proceedings as an infringement on Philippine sovereignty and a personal attack on a leader they believe remains a hero to millions.

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Duterte siblings petition SC to rule ICC detention ‘illegal and unconstitutional’

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

ACTING Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and his sister, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, formally petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene in the continued detention of their father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

The separate legal filings, submitted by prominent law offices, challenge the jurisdictional validity of the former president’s arrest and seek his immediate return to the Philippines.

In a memorandum filed by Tolentino & Associates on Dec. 29, 2025, the mayor filed a writ of habeas corpus, urging the High Court to compel authorities to produce his father before the bench.

The petition prays that respondents be directed to “produce the body of the detainee, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and explain forthwith why petitioner should not be set at liberty without delay.” 

Following her brother’s move, Kitty Duterte filed a supplemental memorandum through the Panelo Law Office on Jan. 5, 2026, asking the Supreme Court to declare her father’s arrest, surrender, and continued detention at The Hague as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

The petition asked justices to declare the ICC proceedings void in relation to Philippine sovereignty and direct respondents to “take all available steps to facilitate the immediate return” of the former president to Philippine soil.

These legal filings coincide with the recent visit of the Duterte siblings to the Netherlands. 

As reported earlier, Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte and Kitty Duterte met with their father at the ICC facility, noting that the former president remains in good spirits despite the “controlled” environment and has noticeably grown out his hair.

The Supreme Court has yet to issue a comment or schedule a hearing regarding these petitions.

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No Christmas visits for detained Duterte; family to hold vigil outside ICC

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

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.

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Oath-taking set 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • Rigo to assume VM post; Kitty Duterte possible successor in City Council?

COUNCILOR Rigo Duterte II confirmed that he would officially assume the vice mayoral post before December, as his grandfather, former President Rodrigo Duterte, failed to take his oath as the duly elected mayor of Davao City.

The lawmaker’s uncle, Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, will take the helm as the city’s chief executive. 

“There is no official update yet, but the lawyers have informed me when exactly [the oath-taking will be],” Duterte II said, adding, “Maybe before December. That was the story told to me. I will take my oath with Mayor Baste. So, there is no official date yet; that is all I can say for now about our joint oath-taking.”

Kitty tipped for council seat?

Rigo vacating his post as the first district councilor prompted speculation about his possible replacement. 

Duterte II confirmed that the replacement will come from their party, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, but noted that the official discussion is pending.

When pressed on the possibility of his aunt, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, being tapped to take his place, he did not rule it out.

“It’s possible, we don’t know yet. We still have to talk about it within the party,” he said. “We have not discussed yet who will replace me, but before I take my oath as acting vice mayor, we will talk first.”

Grandfather’s advice: “Do not forget the people”

The acting vice mayor also revealed that he had spoken with former President Rodrigo Duterte about his new responsibilities.

“Yes, [Former President] Duterte already knows. We talked at The Hague. [He said] to simply do things properly and do not forget the people of Davao, not just Davao but the Philippines as well,” Duterte II recounted.

Priorities: health and education

Reflecting on his six months serving as acting vice mayor—a de facto role he has held since the political vacuum began—Duterte II stated that his focus remains clearly defined:

“That is what I will prioritize as acting vice mayor: health and education. For the seniors, their maintenance, and for the PWDs—that will certainly be my priority,” he said.

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