Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, marked a personal show of support for her father by getting his name permanently tattooed on her arm.
In an Instagram Story posted Monday, the same day as the 2025 midterm elections, Kitty shared a photo of her showing the fresh tattoo bearing the name of her father, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, over allegations of crimes against humanity.
On her separate post, Kitty shared the reaction of her father to her letter and new tattoo via a text message relayed from him from The Netherlands.
The message read, “PRRD got very emotional today when I read him your letter. He started tearing up and crying. He said that ‘it’s very special to what these words coming from her. It’s different. There’s something about daughters – they’re so special. Sons are good but daughters are…. Daughters’.”
It continued, “He also rolled his eyes and made a grimace when I told him you got a new tattoo but then smiled when he say it and when I continued with your letter, telling him that he couldn’t scold you for being a Duterte and for getting his name.”
The message also revealed that the letter “R” in the tattoo was taken from former president Duterte’s own handwriting.
Kitty previously expressed her frustration over her father’s situation at the miting de avance of senatorial candidate Rodante Marcoleta at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan last Tuesday, May 6.
“Ako ay isang 21-year-old college student lamang at ayaw ko sanang makisali sa politika. Pero nang dahil sa pag-kidnap at pag-abuso nila sa tatay ko, nandito ako ngayon para ipaglaban hindi lamang ang pamilya ko kundi ang bansang Pilipinas,” the young Duterte expressed during her speech.
