Kitty Duterte stands by father Rodrigo Duterte at ICC appearance

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Veronica “Kitty” Duterte on Thursday expressed her support for her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, after he made his first in-person appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Conviction, volition and the state of equanimity in any affliction. [L]oud and proud, through and through— forever and always the most unapologetic about you,” Kitty said in a social media post, with an oncoming fist and red heart emojis.

Dressed in a black jacket and white button-down polo, Duterte attended the third status conference in his crimes against humanity case as part of preparations for his trial, which is set to begin on November 30.

Screenshot from Kitty Duterte IG post

Unlike the previous two hearings, Duterte did not waive his appearance.

“This is the first time that Mr. Duterte has been in this court. As far as the trial chamber is concerned, if he wishes to leave for any reason, he may do so,” Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said.

Some senators expressed their reaction to the former president’s appearance.

Senator JV Ejercito said he felt sad seeing Duterte, whom he described as “very frail.”

Duterte ally Senator Robin Padilla said he is happy to see the former president but sad at the thought of his condition in the detention facility.

Meanwhile, Llore Pasco, whose two sons were killed during Duterte’s war on drugs, said she felt a “sense of relief” that Duterte is being taken care of so that they “can still achieve true justice.”

Neri Colmenares, lawyer of alleged drug war victims, said the elder Duterte’s appearance before the ICC status conference indicates that he is capable of understanding the proceedings and is fit to stand trial.

Duterte was arrested and taken to The Hague on March 12, 2025. He last appeared before the ICC via video link on March 14, 2025. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA News