The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Thursday held its miting de avance in the Philippines’ capital, four days before the 12 May polls.
Senator Robin Padilla, president of the party, introduced the so-called “Duterten” senatorial candidates: Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, Jimmy Bondoc, Victor Rodriguez, Apollo Quiboloy, Richard Mata, Raul Lambino, Philip Salvador, and Jayvee Hinlo.
Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, the youngest daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, graced the miting de avance at Liwasang Bonifacio in the City of Manila.
In her speech, Veronica urged Filipinos to support PDP-Laban’s slate, which is chaired by her father.
"Maraming salamat po sa suporta niyo kay PRRD, sa aming pamilya at sa Duterten," she said.
"I believe it speaks volumes and [is a] strategic approach to trust these public servants to be next leaders of the Philippines," she added.
Veronica also shared her final moments with her father before his arrest and transfer to The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity.
“Bago siya kinuha sa kin, the night before it happened, magkatabi pa kaming matulog. I asked him, 'Dada, what's gonna happen to you?'” she recalled.
“And as a father who didn't want his baby girl to worry, he responded with his usual phrase: ‘Sus, wala yan, maniwala ka diyan,’” she added.
"To my Dada Rody who will be watching this later... know that I remain unafraid, unbent, and unswayed, just like you. Your battle is my battle."
As of 8 PM, approximately 2,500 people had attended the event, according to the Manila Police District.
The senatorial candidates of the former ruling party used their limited speaking time to denounce Duterte’s arrest and address other issues facing the current administration, including corruption.
Marcoleta, in particular, accused the Marcos administration of committing serious violations by allowing Duterte to be handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
"Huwag kayong papabudol. Ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa ang isipin niyo," he said.
"Wala na pong due process. Tignan po ninyo ang ginawa nila. Tatanggalin nila ang Vice President [Sara Duterte]. Hindi na nila pababalik ang Pangulong Duterte kung sila lang masusunod," he added.
Vice President Sara Duterte is currently facing an impeachment complaint before the Senate. She was impeached by the House of Representatives on 5 February, with 215 lawmakers—more than two-thirds of the chamber—voting in favor.
To be convicted, the Senate, acting as the impeachment court, must secure a two-thirds vote—at least 16 of its 23 members.
Meanwhile, former president Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on 11 March at Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon returning from Hong Kong. He was transferred to The Hague, Netherlands, on the same day.
Duterte is suspected of murder qualified as a crime against humanity, allegedly committed between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
According to official government data, at least 7,000 people were killed under Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. However, both local and international human rights groups claim the actual number could be as high as 30,000.