Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, the youngest daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, took to social media to post a deeply personal message to her father as he faces trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
“Two months ago, I asked you what you wanted to see first—for me to uphold my promise, or for me to start the family I always prayed for. I told you I’d do whatever made you happier and that is how I know I love you, as you love me,” she wrote in her Instagram post on Thursday.
She also expressed pride in her role as a daughter who has grown into someone capable of protecting her father. “Proud as I am to be your baby, I am even prouder to say I grew up caring for you and protecting you. I would do it all over again, even fiercer if I could,” she added.
Her post came as the ICC pursues charges against the former Philippine leader for crimes against humanity, holding him responsible for at least 76 killings linked to his administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
