Veronica “Kitty” Duterte says her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, has come to terms with the International Criminal Court’s rulings against him — leaning on faith rather than resistance as his case moves toward trial.
“He knows about the decision already… so far, he is accepting of it,” she said after a visit to the detention facility where the 81-year-old is being held.
The family, she said, had braced for the outcome. “Disappointed, but not surprised,” Kitty said, adding that they have long operated on the assumption that things could go wrong. “We are always expecting the worst… that’s the only way to be prepared.”
Duterte himself, according to his daughter, has framed his situation in theological terms. “Wala tayong magawa eh, leave it up to God (There’s nothing we can do, leave it up to God),” she quoted him as saying. She also relayed another phrase from her father: “What man proposes, God disposes.”
Despite the circumstances, Duterte passed along a message of resolve to his supporters through Kitty. “He said… ‘Always Invictus and my deep gratitude to all of you,'” she said. She followed it with an appeal: “If you love him, then try your best to be like him. Invictus, as always.”
In a separate exchange with international media in The Hague, Kitty acknowledged that age has become a growing concern. “I worry a lot… our papa is 81 years old,” she said, noting visible changes in his physical condition. “The biggest change is his memory. He’s still sharp — very intelligent man. But who’s the same at 81?” She described him walking slowly and with a cane.
Inside the facility, his days follow a quiet rhythm. “He watches TV, he reads books… and for the most part, he just looks out the window and hopes for the best,” Kitty said.
She is careful about what she raises during visits. “I do not initiate conversations… because it might ruin his mood,” she said, adding that she has stayed away from public statements on the case itself. “I do not really comment with regards to the ongoing ICC case of his because I do not want to cause any problems for our family, and especially for him who’s inside.”
The former president also left a message for relatives: “Protect the name and work for the people.” Family members, Kitty said, are taking turns at the detention facility and will keep doing so.
The ICC has confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte, clearing the way for a full trial to determine his guilt or innocence.
