DAVAO CITY – Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, the youngest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, assured the public that her father is in stable condition despite being brought to a hospital while under the custody of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
In an interview with Alvin & Tourism in The Hague on Wednesday, Veronica confirmed that her father, who has been at the ICC detention facility since his arrest in the Philippines in March 2025, underwent a hospital visit as part of a routine medical check-up.
“He is okay. It is just that, you know, his routine check-up, because as we all know, he is old and not exactly in the best shape, but he’s okay,” Veronica said, adding that she expected the former president to be more frail, but he is not.
The former president’s youngest daughter emphasized that her father’s condition has improved compared to his first weeks at The Hague. “He is livelier and sharper now,” she noted, adding that FPRRD remains grateful for the love and support from his followers.
Veronica also recounted a lighthearted moment during her visit when the former president Duterte teased her about being “bigger,” later clarifying he was referring to her footwear, not her body.
Describing the visit as “very light,” she said there were more laughs than usual, with her father often asking about her mother, Honeylet Avanceña. She said she assured him that she and her mother are doing everything they can and that they are okay, and her mother is doing well.
According to Veronica, former President Duterte’s message to Avanceña was short but heartfelt: “You and only you,” reassuring his long-time partner, considering the agony she felt when she didn’t see the Duterte patriarch.
The father and daughter also discussed the supporters gathered along Duterte Street in The Hague, with the former president expressing happiness that they “are still showing up” and continuing to stand by him during these challenging times.
Veronica said former President Duterte also offered her fatherly advice, telling her not to entertain suitors. She added that his father is also aware of the three billboards featuring her.
Regarding the former president’s health, the youngest daughter admitted he has lost significant weight, which she attributes to aging and a lifestyle change. “At home, he can eat whatever he likes. He has a support system.”
Former President Duterte reiterated his message to the public not to worry about him, as he is used to adapting to what life brings.
Veronica also mentioned that she has moved past the trauma she experienced at Villamor Air Base, crediting her resilience to the way her parents raised her. “It came with the upbringing my parents gave me,” she said.
As for her future, Veronica said she is focusing on herself for now as she still has a lot of improvements and a lot of growth to do. (By Ivy Tejano)
