DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, addressing a crowd of over 300,000 as of 8 p.m. Friday evening, March 28, 2025, based on data from MapChecking, a crowd-counting tool used by fact-checkers, vowed that efforts to bring former President Rodrigo Duterte back to the country would not cease, emphasizing that stopping would mean accepting the situation.
“Kung muundang ta, boot pasabot ana nisugot ta sa nahitabo (If we stop, it means we allowed it to happen),” he said during the “Rody @ 80: Filipino Global Solidarity Rally” at Roxas Avenue, Davao City.
Baste urged supporters to remain steadfast, calling for continuous prayer rallies until Duterte is brought home. He warned that abandoning the cause would render the former president’s contributions meaningless.
He also criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., asserting that without the people’s support, he would never have been elected. He claimed that Duterte’s camp checkmated the administration by exposing blank pages in the Bicameral Committee Report of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) — a move he alleged led to his father’s “kidnapping” to the Netherlands.
“I don’t understand why the president would pressure a city just to ensure his candidate wins the next election,” he said in the vernacular, adding that Filipinos must accept that they were deceived into voting for Marcos.
Baste also endorsed the PDP-Laban senatorial slate, urging the public to support his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, and their father. He noted that all other senatorial candidates are under Marcos’ slate.
He criticized the administration’s distribution of cash aid, encouraging people to accept the assistance — whether permitted or not — since it is public money.
Baste expressed gratitude to supporters who joined the rally and those who stood guard outside Duterte’s residence when rumors of a raid surfaced.
“Things are not that difficult because we have you. I did not expect this turnout, but it only proves my father is a good man,” he said.
He shared that FPRRD never liked grand celebrations but assured attendees that his sister Sara would inform him about their tribute.
“Even if he is detained in the Netherlands, Rodrigo Duterte remains in the hearts of every Dabawenyo,” Baste added.
He then highlighted Davao City’s progress under his father’s leadership, attributing it to disciplined citizens. However, he lamented that the current administration was against them.
“Dabawenyos are God-fearing and disciplined. That is how we were raised. We must stay united and brave for the next generations,” he said.
Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, who is running for Davao City's first district councilor, urged supporters not to stop the fight.
“Naa lang ko hangyo sa inyuha, gamay hangyo lang nga unta dili ta muundang hangtod dili muuli si former President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte ug musukol ta sa ilaha (I just have a small request — let us not stop until Former President Duterte comes home, and let us fight back),” Rigo said.
Meanwhile, First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte reflected on his father’s strictness during their childhood, saying it instilled discipline in them. He vowed that they would stand by their father until the end.
Paolo said that since FPRRD became a public servant, he taught his children never to abandon the Filipino people, especially victims of abuse, rape, and those whose rights have been taken away.
He recalled how his father supported the police, military, teachers, and health workers, ensuring they were not neglected.
Pulong expressed anger over Duterte’s current predicament, lamenting that despite his service to the nation, he was taken abroad to be judged by people who don’t understand the Philippines’ situation.
“You are going through a rough time now, Pa. Gusto ko magalit, na despite everything that you have done for the country, eto ang kapalit, ang hinayaan ka madala sa ibang bansa para husgahan ng mga hindi naman alam ang kalagayan ng Pilipinas. Pero alam ko ang sasabihin mo, sasabihin mo lang na ‘Pulong, you were raised right kaya yan ang ipakita mo’ (You are going through a rough time now, Pa. I want to be angry that despite everything you have done for the country, this is the consequence—you were allowed to be taken to another country to be judged by people who don’t even understand the situation in the Philippines. But I know what you would say—you would just tell me, ‘Pulong, you were raised right, so show it’).”
Rody’s 80th birthday gathering
Starting at 1 p.m., supporters from Davao City’s three districts gathered along Roxas Avenue, clad in green shirts and waving Philippine flags. They carried tarpaulins with messages like “FPRRD, Bring Him Home” and “I Stand with FPRRD” while chanting “Duterte!” “Marcos Resign!” and “Torre Pisot!”
Some brought birthday cakes, while free water, food, and shirts were distributed.
During the event, HTL’s council and congressional slate from districts 1 to 3 were introduced. Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong” Go, and actor Philip Salvador, all aligned with Duterte, also addressed the crowd.
Dela Rosa and Go reminisced about their time with Duterte, praising him as a leader.
The rally culminated with a birthday song for Duterte, and by 8:20 p.m., many supporters had dispersed, but not without witnessing the grand drone show featuring FPRRD’s face, fist sign, FPRRD’s signature, the Philippine flag, and other symbols identified with Duterte.
Several roads were temporarily closed for the event, as approved under City Resolution No. 04184-25, filed by Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod Party Deputy Secretary Mikhal Evasco.
Widespread prayer rallies for Duterte’s return
Duterte was transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 11, 2025, to face crimes against humanity charges. His pre-trial hearing was held on March 14, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has scheduled confirmation of the charges hearing on September 25.
According to PDP-Laban, 12 provinces, municipalities, and cities in Luzon, 18 in Visayas, 44 in Mindanao, and 34 locations abroad have staged prayer rallies calling for Duterte’s return.
Birthday greetings from Duterte’s children
FPRRD’s children shared birthday messages on March 28, 2025.
Vice President Sara Duterte, in a video message, thanked her father for teaching her resilience and courage.
“Thank you for teaching me the value of education. I wish you love, good health, and happiness,” she said.
Paolo thanked supporters via Facebook, urging them to keep praying for Duterte’s health.
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagsuporta sa aming tatay na si Presidente Rodrigo Roa-Duterte. Maraming salamat po sa pagsuporta sa pamilya namin (Thank you very much for your support for our father, President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte. Thank you very much for supporting our family),” he said.
Meanwhile, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte described her father as “a man of few words but of action.”
“Despite his age, he remains a strong force because of his heroism and patriotism,” she said.
She recalled feeling jealous as a child when others called Duterte “Tatay,” but now understands his dedication to public service.
“We will make certain that his legacy lives on—through us, his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and the Filipino people,” she said.
Kitty also expressed pride in being a Dabawenya, saying Duterte’s will to live is strengthened by the unwavering support of the people.
“My heart goes out to those fighting with us to bring him home,” she said. RGP