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By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITYâ Veronica âKittyâ Duterte, youngest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, thanked all Filipinos, particularly Dabawenyos, for their unwavering support of her father amid political controversies and his physical absence from the public eye.
âI would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the love and support you have shown [for my father]. As a daughter, I cannot thank you enough,â Veronica said in a heartfelt letter addressed to Filipinos and DavaoeĂąos, which was widely shared on social media.
Veronica recalled the former Presidentâs public service for over two decades. She said the elder Duterteâs decision to run for office was for the future of the people he served, emphasizing that he rarely called himself a politician but a public servant.
She defended former President Duterteâs legacy against the criticisms and alleged propaganda, asserting that efforts to discredit his leadership have not swayed public sentiment. She said they cannot orchestrate the negation of her fatherâs outstanding and authentic leadership.
âI have never seen patriotism as fervent as his. His love for his country runs deep in his core, roots, and unequivocal pride in being a Filipino. Although it is not wrong to put family first, he is the only public servant who prioritizes his country,â Veronica said.
Veronica also reflected on her bond with her father, expressing the emotional toll of his absence, while reassuring the public that he remains in good health and high spirits. She added that the Duterte patriarch does not wish to see his supporters in distress.
âOur strength gives him strengthâtake it from a daughter who truly knows him. If he were here, Iâd proudly tell him: âI believe the most crucial element to our victories is the fact that we do not please peopleâ,â she said.
The daughterâs message to former President Duterte comes amid renewed public interest in his political influence, especially following his success as the comeback mayor of Davao City, along with his two sons, two grandchildren, and the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod candidates.
His sons, Sebastian Duterte, won the vice mayoral race, while Paolo Duterte remains in his post as representative of the first congressional district. The lawmakerâs sons, Omar Vincent Duterte, will soon serve the second district, and Rodrigo âRigoâ Duterte II as the first district councilor.
Veronica said former President Duterte is aware of the successes of his sons, grandsons, and the other candidates, and that he is grateful not just because they were elected, but the people gave a chance to those who share his vision for a better and more progressive nation and city.
She emphasized that the publicâs support was not merely for individuals, but for ideals. Describing her father as âa simple Mindanaon uncorrupted by power and fame,â she said former President Duterte remains a symbol of the ordinary Filipino in an extraordinary field.
