Thousands of supporters of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte took to the streets on Friday, marking his 80th birthday with impassioned rallies across the Philippines and as far afield as The Hague. The gatherings, numbering over 200 nationwide, blended celebration with protest, as loyalists demanded the release of the controversial leader, who is currently detained in the Netherlands facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his brutal war on drugs.
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| A rally in support of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was held in Davao City, Mindanao, on March 28, 2025, as documented by Ferdinandh Cabrera/AFP. |
In Manila, police intercepted a convoy of at least 100 motorcycle riders near the presidential palace, where supporters waved posters emblazoned with “Bring Him Home.” Meanwhile, in Duterte’s southern stronghold of Davao, thousands gathered for a candle-lit rally, their voices echoing through the night in a powerful show of solidarity. “Almost all Filipinos love him and are very sad for him now,” said Darbie Bula, a 44-year-old devotee, speaking to AFP amid the flickering glow of candles.
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The rallies stretched beyond Philippine borders to The Hague, where Duterte has been held since his arrest on March 11. Outside the United Nations Scheveningen prison, hundreds of supporters rallied with music blaring from a sound system, intermittently pausing to chant for his freedom. “We hope that he will be back in the Philippines as soon as possible,” said Aldwin Villarta, an organizer of the Dutch demonstration. “I don’t think that he has a case to answer. I think it’s very unfair for him to be here.”
Duterte’s eldest daughter, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, has remained in The Hague since his detention began, offering a familial anchor amid the legal storm. “The support makes the challenges he is facing today more bearable,” she told reporters, her voice steady despite the emotional weight of the moment.
Inside the detention center, Duterte has been informed of the global outpouring of support, according to his lead defense lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman. “He was touched by the huge presence of supporters on this milestone birthday,” Kaufman wrote in an email to AFP. “We will work to ensure that he will celebrate future birthdays in their company.”
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The former president’s legal battle is only beginning. He faces a six-month wait before his next court appearance on September 23, when the International Criminal Court (ICC) will confirm the charges against him and allow him to formally contest the allegations. Chief ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has already disclosed 181 items of evidence to the defense, though specifics remain under wraps. Duterte stands accused of orchestrating a campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups claim claimed up to 30,000 lives—a charge that, if proven, could cement his legacy as both a revered populist and a reviled figure on the world stage.
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For now, the ex-leader remains confined, his fate uncertain, while his supporters—undaunted by distance or authority—continue to rally, their candles and cries lighting the way for a man they refuse to let fade into history.
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Duterte Supporters Hold Birthday Picnic Near ICC Detention Center
The Hague, Netherlands – Hundreds of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Duterte supporters gathered near the International Criminal Court's (ICC) detention center in The Hague on Friday, March 28th, to celebrate former President Rodrigo Duterte's 80th birthday with a festive picnic. The event, a show of support for the leader currently facing murder charges related to his controversial drug war, drew attendees from across Europe and even the United Arab Emirates.
The picnic, held on a cool spring day in a residents’ green space, featured a potluck spread of traditional Filipino food and lively entertainment. Performers on a makeshift stage belted out popular songs, creating a festive atmosphere despite the imposing backdrop of Prison Scheveningen, where Duterte is being held. The only visible police presence was a marked van observing from across the street.
Attendees hailed from various European countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Sweden, showcasing the widespread support for Duterte among the Filipino diaspora. One banner even identified a group of OFWs from the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the global reach of the gathering.
The event reached a high point with the arrival of Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter, who addressed the enthusiastic crowd. She expressed gratitude for their unwavering support, noting similar gatherings held in the Philippines. She also relayed a message from her father, urging supporters to refrain from interfering in his ICC case and allow the legal process to unfold. “[He said] I should tell all of President Rodrigo Duterte's supporters and all his lawyer friends...that we should not meddle in his case at the International Criminal Court. Let's let his lawyers and the Court itself decide what will happen as part of the Court's process.”
The picnic served as a powerful demonstration of support for Duterte amidst his ongoing legal battle at the ICC, highlighting the strong bonds between the former president and a significant segment of the Filipino diaspora. The event's location, in close proximity to the detention center, underscored the supporters' determination to show their solidarity.
Following her address to the gathering of former President Rodrigo Duterte's supporters, Vice President Sara Duterte shifted her focus to the upcoming May elections in the Philippines. She actively campaigned for the PDP-Laban senatorial slate and its guest candidates, meticulously listing their names for the assembled crowd.
Her speech took a serious turn as she warned against potential election fraud, echoing a message from her father. “He said that we should protect our votes because there are desperate people who are thinking of all manner of cheating just to secure their victory,” she stated, urging vigilance among voters.
Vice President Duterte also addressed logistical matters concerning messages and packages sent to her father at the ICC detention center. She requested supporters to limit their communications to messages only, as the center's regulations prohibit the delivery of certain items. She recounted receiving numerous packages containing clothing, underwear, and an abundance of chocolates, highlighting the well-intentioned but inappropriate nature of some gifts. While acknowledging the efforts to send treats, she noted that the various chocolates, even after a taste test, were unsuitable for her father's health given his diabetes.
The event concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony. Vice President Duterte blew out the candles on the birthday cake, posing for photographs with the enthusiastic crowd, who responded with a resounding rendition of "Happy Birthday" to conclude the gathering. The event demonstrated the ongoing support for the Duterte family and their political party, even amidst the former president's legal proceedings.
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Robin Padilla Draws Crowds at Duterte Support Rally in Europe as ICC Case Looms
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Actor-turned-senator Robin Padilla became the center of attention as he arrived at a gathering of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters in the Netherlands, where crowds swarmed him for selfies and videos. The event, held to celebrate Duterte’s 80th birthday, also served as a show of solidarity for the ex-leader, who faces an impending International Criminal Court (ICC) hearing in September over his controversial drug war.
Padilla’s Influence and Call for Discipline
As the current head of PDP-Laban, Duterte’s political party, Padilla reiterated his unwavering support for the former president. He even shared an anecdote about how he inspired Duterte’s signature fist bump—a gesture meant to project strength while avoiding the clenched-fist salute, which Padilla said could be misconstrued as communist symbolism.
Addressing the crowd, Padilla urged discipline among Duterte’s followers, reminding them to comply with local regulations. The event, permitted only until 3 p.m. by Dutch authorities, proceeded peacefully as supporters—many of them overseas Filipinos braving the chilly spring weather—cheered, danced, and chanted "Duterte!" and "Happy birthday!"
Duterte’s Legacy and the Shadow of the ICC
While supporters abroad celebrated, the specter of the ICC case looms large. The court is set to proceed with a confirmation of charges hearing in September, which could determine whether Duterte will face trial for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his bloody anti-drug campaign.
Back in the Philippines, victims’ families and human rights advocates continue to seek justice, pinning their hopes on the ICC’s intervention. The contrast was stark—between the festive atmosphere in Europe and the unresolved grief of thousands affected by the drug war in the Philippines.
A Divided Nation’s Polarizing Figure
Duterte remains a polarizing figure, with loyalists praising his tough leadership and critics condemning his brutal methods. As Padilla and other allies keep his political presence alive abroad, the upcoming ICC proceedings could redefine Duterte’s legacy—and test the loyalty of his supporters worldwide.
For now, the chants and celebrations continue. But come September, the world will be watching as the former president faces one of his biggest battles yet—not in the streets of Davao or Manila, but in a courtroom thousands of miles away.