Kitty Duterte Thanks Duter-ten Senators
Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, the youngest daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the PDP-Laban senatorial slate, known as the “Duter-ten,” during their miting de avance at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.
“To all the Duter-ten: thank you for having principles that cannot be bribed with money, power, and influence. It will not be forgotten,” she said passionately before the crowd.
She added, “It has been my greatest honor to stand and fight for my country, my fellowmen, my family, and for my father who loved me into the woman I am today.”
Remembering Her Father’s Last Night Before Departure
Kitty recalled the emotional night before her father was flown to The Hague to face trial at the International Criminal Court. The former president was arrested in March over allegations related to his controversial drug war.
“Bago siya kinuha sa akin, the night before it happened, magkatabi pa kaming natulog. I asked him, ‘Dada, what’s gonna happen to you?’” she shared.
Her father reassured her in his usual manner, saying, “Sus, wala yan, maniwala ka dyan.” This simple phrase gave her strength amid uncertainty.
Kitty’s Pledge and Her Father’s Message
Ending her speech, Kitty addressed her father directly: “To my Dada Rudy… pinalangga ka ni Kitty. Know that I remain unafraid, unbent, and unswayed—just like you. Your battle is my battle.”
She also relayed her father’s call to Filipinos to exercise their right to vote wisely.
From Student to Advocate
Despite being a 21-year-old college student who initially avoided politics, Kitty’s perspective changed after her father’s arrest. She declared, “Ako ay isang 21-year-old college student lamang at ayaw ko sanang makisali sa politika. Pero nang dahil sa pag-kidnap at pag-abuso nila sa tatay ko, nandito ako ngayon para ipaglaban hindi lamang ang pamilya ko kundi ang bansang Pilipinas.”
Her mother, Honeylet Avanceña, also revealed that the former president advised Kitty to follow in his footsteps.
Claims and Controversies Surrounding Duterte’s Arrest
The Duterte camp, including Vice President Sara Duterte and former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, insists that the former president was “kidnapped.” However, the government maintains that his arrest complied with the law and was coordinated with Interpol.