DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte delivered a fiery speech to a massive crowd of supporters at San Pedro Square on March 16, 2025, declaring that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will never earn the people's love.
As of 11:45 a.m., the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported that around 20,000 to 30,000 supporters of the former president had gathered at San Pedro Square as the solidarity walk concluded following the Parada Dabawenyo, the culminating event of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.
"Mr. President Marcos, you will never be loved, especially (by those) who are calling out for Rody Duterte's name. You will never be loved," Duterte said.
He criticized Marcos Jr. for lacking a conscience, pointing out that while his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte (FPRRD), allowed Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Marcos Jr. helped the International Criminal Court's (ICC's) move to detain him.
Baste Duterte also mocked Marcos Jr., saying that beyond his presidency, he is "nothing" without government resources.
Shifting focus, the mayor addressed the issue of illegal drugs, acknowledging that while some people use them to cope with long work hours, in Davao City, drugs tear families apart, destroy communities, and take innocent lives.
He shared that this would be his last time joining Araw ng Dabaw as Davao City mayor, adding that he is uncertain about the future of the country's political landscape.
He described "martial law and oppression" as being synonymous with the Marcos name and claimed that traditional politicians fear real change, which is why they worked to remove FPRRD from the government.
Despite this, he thanked supporters from the Philippines and worldwide, saying their unwavering presence has strengthened his resolve.
He thanked the people of Davao and supporters worldwide for standing by his father. He admitted feeling uncertain since his father was taken to the Netherlands but said that every show of support from Dabawenyos strengthens his resolve to keep fighting. He said this is no longer just about his family but about the entire Philippines.
Sebastian also jokingly referred to the supporters as "residents of Sub-Saharan Mindanao," prompting them to respond with gorilla-like noises.
Dressed in black T-shirts bearing the message "I stand with FPRRD" and wearing red ribbons on their wrists, they chanted "Duterte," "Marcos Resign," and "Duterte, bring him home."
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stated that if FPRRD could be taken to the Netherlands, he could also be brought back home. He urged Filipinos to continue advocating for Duterte's return, emphasizing that he had done nothing wrong and was simply fulfilling his duties.
"Mga Dabawenyo hangyu lang naku sa inyu na dili natu ni undagan hangtud dili siya mauli (Dabawenyos, I beg you—let's not stop until we bring him home)," he said.
He recalled that during Duterte's presidency, he facilitated the return of numerous Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), even paying blood money to ensure their safe passage back to the Philippines.
FPRRD was arrested upon his arrival from Hong Kong at the Ninoy International Airport (Naia) on March 11 and swiftly transported to The Hague. On March 14, he appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber via video conference.
The Davao mayor asserted that his father's detention was a consequence of standing firm in his beliefs to improve the lives of Filipinos. He urged supporters to stay strong and not let his father’s sacrifices go to waste. RGP