Thousands of supporters gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio on Saturday, 15 March, for the “Bring PRRD Home” prayer rally, calling for the return of former president Rodrigo Duterte amid concerns over his health while in detention abroad.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte’s long-time aide, became emotional as he addressed the crowd, urging Filipinos to pray for the former leader’s well-being. He expressed distress over reports that Duterte has been deprived of access to his regular medication, a situation he deemed “unacceptable” given the former president’s age and pre-existing conditions.

“Alam n’yo, kwento ko lang po sa inyo ang huling balita ko kay Tatay Digong,” Go said, recounting his recent conversations with Duterte’s legal counsel, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.

("Let me just share with you the latest news about Tatay Digong.")

Go claimed that Duterte does not know what medication he is being given in detention. “Alam n’yo ba? Hindi nga n’ya alam kung ano ‘yung gamot na iniinom n’ya. Binibigay sa kanya ng nurse n’ya. Anong gusto nilang gawin kay Tatay Digong?” he asked.

(He doesn’t even know what medicine he is taking. His nurse just gives it to him. What do they want to do to Tatay Digong?")

The senator also stated that Duterte willingly faced legal proceedings despite safety concerns. “Hindi naman tatakas si Tatay Digong,” Go said. “Nung Sabado, maraming nagpapayo sa kanya. Kami, sinabihan namin, ‘Tatay Digong, ipagpaliban mo muna.’ Pero mas pinili niyang umuwi at harapin. Ibig sabihin nun, hindi tatakas si Tatay Digong.”

("Tatay Digong is not going to run away." "Last Saturday, many people were advising him. We told him, 'Tatay Digong, postpone it for now.' But he chose to come home and face it. That means he is not going to run away.")

Go called on politicians who benefited from Duterte’s leadership to show support. “Kaya sa lahat ng mga politiko na nakinabang kayo sa panahon n’ya… pinansin kayo ni Tatay Digong. Anim na taon kayong pinansin ni Tatay Digong. ‘Yung iba d’yan, pinupuntahan pa namin ‘yung birthday. Nakakatulog pa ba kayo?” he said.

("So to all the politicians who benefited during his time… Tatay Digong acknowledged you. For six years, he paid attention to you. Some of you, we even attended your birthdays. Are you still able to sleep at night?")

He further claimed that Duterte has been denied even basic necessities. “Pati tsinelas n’ya, wala,” he said. “Ang lamig doon.”

("Even his slippers, he doesn't have." "It's cold there.")

Go also recounted a conversation with Duterte’s daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, who he said was deeply affected by her father’s detention. “Tinawagan ko s’ya kahapon… hindi ko mapigilang umiyak. First time ko umiyak talaga na kausap s’ya. Sabi n’ya sa akin, ‘Ninong, ikaw na muna ang tatay ko. Wala na akong tatay.’”

("I called her yesterday… I couldn't hold back my tears. It was the first time I really cried while talking to her. She told me, ‘Ninong, you have to be my father for now. I don’t have a father anymore.’")

Calling for unity, Go urged Filipinos to rally behind Duterte. “Ito ‘yung panahon magkaisa ang Pilipino. Magkaisa tayo para kay Tatay Digong,” he said, emphasizing his continued commitment to the former president’s welfare. “Hanggang sa pagtanda n’ya, hanggang sa kamatayan n’ya, hindi ko po s’ya iwanan,” he said. “Ngayon, pati gamot ipagkakait. Sinong mananagot n’yan pag may nangyari kay Tatay Digong?”

("This is the time for Filipinos to unite. Let’s come together for Tatay Digong." "Until he grows old, until his final days, I will never leave him." "Now, even his medication is being withheld. Who will be held accountable if something happens to Tatay Digong?")

Go appealed to authorities to ensure Duterte’s medical needs are met and to allow him to return home. “Sana, ibalik n’yo po dito sa amin. Nangungulila po ang Pilipino,” he said.

("I hope you bring him back to us. The Filipino people are longing for him.")

The prayer rally featured religious leaders leading prayers, music, and testimonies from supporters. Video presentations detailed the timeline of Duterte’s arrest. Attendees chanted “Duterte! Duterte!” and “Bring him home!” as Go concluded his speech. “Alam ko mahal n’yo si Tatay Digong. Mahal natin si Tatay Digong. Magkaisa tayo lahat, mga kababayan ko,” he said.

("I know you love Tatay Digong. We all love Tatay Digong. Let’s unite, my fellow countrymen.")