FORMER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has refused to sell his residence in Doña Luisa Village, Matina, Davao City, citing its sentimental value as the first house he bought with his own money.
This was revealed by his son, Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, following a recent visit to the former president at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Center in The Hague.
“Amo siyang gipangutana kung ibaligya ba daw ang balay, dili gyud daw. Kana iyang balay, mao daw na ang iyang unang balay, ug dili gyud siya gusto nga ibaligya na (We asked him if he would sell the house—he said no. That was the first home he bought, and he doesn’t want to let it go),” Pulong said in an interview posted on the Alvin & Tourism Facebook page.
He clarified that the property is separate from that of Duterte’s longtime partner, Honeylet Avanceña.
“Kang Ma’am Honeylet, naa man daw siya’y kaugalingong dako nga balay. Dili kana nga balay iyang ginapuy-an (Ma’am Honeylet has her own large house. That’s not the one she’s living in),” he added, addressing rumors of a family dispute over the property.
‘For Sale’ sign causes confusion
Over the weekend, Duterte supporters were alarmed when a "For Sale" sign appeared outside the residence, sparking speculation and emotional reactions online.
Avanceña confirmed the sale in a June 28 interview with DZRH, citing emotional distress and security concerns following Duterte’s ICC detention in March over alleged crimes against humanity.
“Masakit sa dibdib ko every time I go inside. Ako na lang ang pumapasok diyan. May apat na katulong pero walang amo. We abandoned it after what happened (It hurts every time I enter that house. I’m the only one who goes there now. We have four helpers, but no one else. We abandoned it after what happened),” she said in a text message.
She also revealed that legal advisers had recommended the installation of surveillance cameras throughout the house, including in private areas like the bedroom.
“I cannot sleep there anymore because the lawyers asked us to install CCTV — even inside the bedroom,” Avanceña added in a DZRH report.
By June 29, the “For Sale” sign was removed. While no official statement has been made on the sale’s status, media reports claimed that acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte ordered the removal. Reports also surfaced that Vice President Sara Duterte opposed the sale, though she has not issued a public comment.
VP denies opposition
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) denied these reports. In a July 1 statement, it refuted a Manila Standard front-page story titled “VP Sara opposes sale, wants Rody’s house to be a museum,” calling it “false and fabricated.”
The OVP said the vice president mentioned the idea of opening the home to the public during a May 12 interview, but has not made any statements since the “For Sale” sign appeared.
“The article falsely claims that the Vice President wants to preserve the house and convert it into a museum. It further fabricates a quote supposedly from the Vice President,” the OVP said, urging the Manila Standard to publish a correction and uphold journalistic standards.
SunStar Davao reached out to Avanceña via Viber but has yet to receive a response. A visit to the residence confirmed the removal of the sign, though neighbors declined to provide additional information.
Heartbreaking
The uncertainty has saddened many Duterte loyalists, who consider the residence a symbol of his legacy. Since Duterte’s ICC arrest, supporters have regularly gathered at the home to express their solidarity.
Ferdinand Delos Reyes urged that the home be preserved and converted into a museum: “Para sa akin, hindi na dapat ibenta. Respeto naman sa kasaysayan. Ang bahay na iyan ay pamana mula pa noong hindi pa politiko si President Duterte (It shouldn’t be sold. Respect the history. That house is a legacy from when President Duterte was not yet a politician.”
Gem Bidua Mag-aso also expressed heartbreak but chose to stay hopeful: “Masakit man pong malaman, pero let’s look on the bright side. Daghang salamat ninyo tanan sa inyong pagmamahal ug malasakit. At least, makapahuway na mo (It hurts to know, but let’s look on the bright side. Thank you all for your love and concern. At least now, you can rest). But I know the battle hasn't ended yet. Let’s all continue through prayer. God is always protecting our Tatay.”
In a 2016 interview with SunStar Davao, Duterte’s older sister, Eleanor Duterte, said the family had once considered turning the house into a museum, but no formal plans materialized.
Since Duterte’s rise to the presidency in 2016, the Doña Luisa home has attracted visitors nationwide, serving as a tangible link to his journey from city mayor to national leader.
Duterte remains in detention at The Hague as he faces trial at the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s war on drugs. As of writing, the ICC has not issued any updates regarding his detention or a possible interim release. However, his lawyer, Atty. Nicholas Kaufmann said a decision is expected by July. RGL with reports from Cristine Joy S. Villanueva and Bea C. Mangaga, SPAMAST interns