‘For Sale’ sign at Duterte home vanishes

DAVAO CITY — The iconic Duterte residence in Doña Luisa Subdivision has become the center of speculation after a “For Sale” tarpaulin was suddenly displayed — and just as abruptly taken down — over the weekend.

The sign appeared Saturday on the ancestral home of former President Rodrigo Duterte, sparking widespread curiosity, sadness, and confusion among Davaoeños. Many were surprised to see the house — long associated with the former president and considered a local landmark — seemingly put on the market.

By Sunday, however, the banner had vanished without explanation, adding to the growing mystery.

In a radio interview Saturday night over DZRH, Duterte’s common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, confirmed that the house is indeed for sale — a decision she said was painful but necessary, citing both emotional and security concerns.

“It hurts my chest every time I go inside. I’m the only one who enters now. There are four house helpers, but no master. We abandoned it after what happened. I cannot sleep there anymore because the lawyers asked us to install a CCTV even inside the bedroom,” she said.

Avanceña shared that the home, once filled with life and routine, has remained mostly unoccupied since Duterte’s surrender to The Hague in March 2025. The former president is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC), facing charges related to his controversial war on drugs. His arrest made global headlines and raised serious security issues for his family in Davao.

The house, known for its modest interiors — and even more so for Duterte’s famously photographed kulambo (mosquito net) — had become somewhat of a pilgrimage site for loyal supporters.

While no official asking price or potential buyers have been announced, real estate insiders believe the property could fetch a premium due to its association with the former leader. Some supporters have even suggested turning it into a museum to preserve his legacy.

Adding a personal touch to the unfolding story, Duterte’s youngest daughter Veronica recently posted a photo of the house on Facebook with the caption, “For sale Duterte family house,” followed by crying emojis — further stirring emotional reactions online.

As of this writing, the Duterte family has yet to release an official statement about the removal of the tarpaulin or provide further details about the sale. The Daily Tribune has reached out to the family for clarification.

For now, the house stands quiet — its future uncertain, its past indelible.