Kitty Duterte said her father, former President Rody Duterte, remains strong in spirit after the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court affirmed jurisdiction in a ruling that allows the proceedings to move forward under the court’s authority.
Speaking after the April 22 decision in The Hague, Kitty described the development as a setback but said her father remains “unconquered.” She cited the poem Invictus to describe his state of mind and said the message reflects resilience as the legal process continues.
The ruling means the ICC can proceed with the case linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, pushing it deeper into the court’s process despite earlier challenges to its jurisdiction. The decision does not determine guilt but allows the case to continue.
Kitty described him as steady despite the situation, saying he remains “unafraid” and “strong as ever… while his body might become frail.” She also said he was “bloodied but unbowed.”
She pointed to the continued role of the Duterte family, saying his influence remains present through them despite the ongoing case. She said this reflects how his presence continues through those closest to him.
Addressing public sentiment, she said support for Duterte remains, adding, “No matter how much you hate PRRD, there will always be millions who love him.” She also said his legacy will endure regardless of the outcome, stating, “His immortality will be seen in the minds and in the hearts of every Filipino he has saved.”
The message comes as the ICC process advances, with the case set to move forward under its jurisdiction while Duterte’s camp signals defiance as proceedings continue.
