By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, the youngest child of former President Rodrigo Duterte, recently took to Instagram Stories to share touching messages from her father addressed to their family.
In her post, Kitty shared her father’s warm and supportive words directed toward her, her mother Honeylet Avanceña, and her siblings—Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Representative Paolo Duterte.
Former President Duterte’s “Dear Family” message followed Kitty’s message. It revealed his reflective and emotional state during a quiet moment in the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility at The Hague.
According to the letter, Duterte was joyful after hearing from his youngest daughter. It mentioned that he smiled and said, “He loves you. He sends you all his love,” repeatedly emphasizing how much he cared. He also expressed his love for Honeylet.
The former president urged his children—Paolo, Sara, and Sebastian—to stay strong and seek their meaning in life, just as he believes he has discovered his. He wrote, “Be strong and find a purpose in life. I have found mine. I love you.”
It can be recalled that Veronica and her mother traveled to The Hague in the Netherlands to visit her father, who had been detained after he was kidnapped and handed over to the ICC last month for alleged crimes against humanity.
Veronica shared her message for her father on her Instagram before leaving The Hague. It said:
1. I sang and talked to you by the window during my last night in The Hague. Listen carefully.
2. I loved you as head of state, but I love you even more now that you are 80, retired, and you consider yourself a nobody.
3. I am always looking at you. I know of your wavy hair, curl on the right brow, bigger right eye, nose leaning to the right, which makes your right alar base broader, deeper nasolabial fold on the left, and contagious smile.
4. I am going home today, but like the song, you are always on my mind. I love you.
– Kitty
Kitty’s emotional message highlighted her deep bond with her father, reflecting their close and personal relationship. She expressed her desire to send him letters daily, mentioning how much he values them and how they both find humor in their “messy handwriting.”
Her Instagram post quickly caught the attention of many online, with netizens expressing their support and appreciation for the family’s strong connection. Many were moved by the sincerity of FPRRD’s message, particularly his emphasis on love and discovering one’s purpose.
Vice President Sara Duterte, meanwhile, confirmed that Kitty has returned to the Philippines to resume her education. Their brother, Rep. Duterte, is on his way to The Hague and is expected to remain there until shortly before the upcoming midterm elections in the country.
