DESPITE his detention at The Hague, former President Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly in high spirits as he celebrated his landslide victory in the Davao City mayoral race and the electoral successes of his children.
He has also expressed relief at Vice President Sara Duterte’s apparent safety from impeachment proceedings, according to his younger brother, Bong Duterte, who relayed the former president’s sentiments in a recent interview.
Speaking to former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, former councilor Benjamin “Bong” Duterte, revealed that the former president was “very happy” upon learning of his overwhelming victory, as well as the wins of Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Congressman Paolo Duterte, and his grandsons Omar and Rigo.
“He is doing well, though a little sad because he is detached from the outside world,” Bong Duterte said, explaining that he briefed his brother on the election outcomes. “He was very happy when I told him you got a very overwhelming vote as Mayor of Davao again.”
The former president also reportedly smiled upon hearing that five senatorial candidates he endorsed won their races. “I told him the counting went more or less ganito na lumusot. In a way, he is very happy, especially that everyone in Davao won,” Bong Duterte said.
Regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment concerns, Bong Duterte said, “I think the opposition will think it’s about time we cannot go that way. So there’s a big chance the support for VP Sara.”
He also noted that his brother was pleased to hear that all congressmen who faced him in the quad committee “walang lumusot” (none slipped through).
Bong Duterte conveyed his brother’s gratitude to his supporters.
He told me, again and again, he would like to thank all those who supported him, moral support and all, because I told him there are people in the park supporting you.
He said from the bottom of his heart, he is grateful to everyone who supports him, not only here in the park but also in the world, and in the Philippines.
He said he will not forget this, it’s his debt of gratitude to all of you.”
Bong Duterte, who has not been able to see his brother since his arrest upon returning to the Philippines from abroad, said, “He is a little bit detached, he is isolated, but when you talk to him, he knows.”
The Duterte family is currently focused on managing the situation, with Bong Duterte stating, “We will wait to see who among the children will take over. From here, we will wait.”
