VERONICA “Kitty” Duterte and Honeylet Avanceña called on Filipinos to support PDP-Laban's senatorial candidates while denouncing what they described as the “political persecution” of their family. The appeal was made during the party’s grand rally in Barangay Pinayahan, Quezon City, Sunday evening, May 5, 2025.
Veronica, the youngest daughter of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte (FPRRD), underscored the importance of unity ahead of the May 12, 2025, elections. She urged the public to vote wisely and support PDP-Laban’s slate.
“Pumili tayo ng matalino at matapat sa paglilingkod kasi kapag hindi kawawa tayong lahat at ang mga susunod na henerasyon (Let’s choose leaders who are wise and honest in public service, because if we don’t, it’s the people and the next generation who will suffer),” she said.
She also shared a message from her father: “Kung kakalimutan niyo lang rin ang Duterten, kalimutan niyo na lang rin siya (If you're going to forget the DuterTEN, then forget him as well).”
Veronica claimed that her father had been taken from her, their family, and the Filipino people. She accused the current administration of targeting the Dutertes and their allies instead of focusing on the country’s rising crime rate.
Avanceña echoed this sentiment, urging voters to choose a leader who is rational, honest, and committed to serving the country, not just themselves. She recounted a recent visit to Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague, Netherlands, where he encouraged support for the DuterTEN senatorial candidates.
“Yung lahat ng mga sumusuporta kahit sa bahay namin sa Davao, sa ibang bansa nakikita ko lahat ng suporta ninyo. Maraming salamat (To all those supporting us, whether from our home in Davao or abroad—I see your support. Thank you very much),” she said.
She also encouraged the public to remain vigilant on election day, emphasizing that these efforts would benefit future generations. She contrasted the current state of the country with the “safe” environment during Duterte’s presidency.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in the Philippines on March 11, 2025, and transferred to The Hague, Netherlands. He faces charges of crimes against humanity—specifically, murder—allegedly committed from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019. Duterte appeared via video conference before the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber on March 14. His next hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025. RGP