Warm Reception for Vice President Sara Duterte in Doha
Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos received a warm welcome from the Filipino community in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Their visit included several scheduled activities aimed at engaging with overseas Filipinos.
The two officials gathered with Filipinos at the Villaggio Mall Food Court, a popular venue in Doha. However, no public interviews were conducted with Duterte out of respect for Qatar’s strict regulations against public gatherings. Accompanying them was Duterte’s mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman.
Senator Marcos shared the experience on social media, expressing her gratitude for being invited. She wrote, “Ako po ay naimbitahan, kasama ng ating Bise Presidente Inday Sara Duterte dito sa Qatar para sa isang mahalagang pagsasama-sama ng ating mga kababayan; napakasaya ko rin makasamang muli ang Nanay ni Inday, Mam Elizabeth Zimmerman.” This highlights the importance of the gathering and the close ties among the delegation.
Connecting with Filipinos Overseas
Photos from the Vice President’s office showed Duterte actively engaging with the Filipino crowd, who filled the food court to spend time with her. The event reflected the strong sense of community and support among Filipinos living abroad.
This visit to Doha is particularly significant given the recent history involving Filipino protesters. In late March, 17 Filipinos were detained in a Doha resort for holding an unauthorized protest against the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. They were released a week later after charges were dropped. It remains unclear whether any of those individuals were part of the group that welcomed the Vice President at the mall.
Upcoming Plans and ICC Birthday Gathering
Following the Doha visit, Vice President Duterte is set to travel to The Hague, Netherlands. Between May 30 and June 3, she plans to visit her father and spend quality time with her family. Notably, on her 47th birthday, May 31, she will join a peaceful gathering organized by Filipino community groups at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Earlier, Duterte promised to celebrate her birthday alongside her parents in the Netherlands, reflecting her commitment to family even amidst her public duties.
The Vice President’s visit underscores her ongoing connection with Filipinos worldwide and her efforts to maintain strong relationships with overseas communities.
For more news and updates on Filipino community engagement, visit Filipinokami.com.