Malacañang Palace Wish Former President Rodrigo Duterte
2 min read
MARCH 28,2025
MANILA, Philippines
As former President Rodrigo Duterte turns 80 on March 28, Malacañang Palace has encouraged the public to send him well wishes despite his detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
RELATED STORY: Rodrigo Duterte Spends 80th Birthday in ICC Detention
Malacañang Palace’s Birthday Message for Duterte
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro was asked whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had a birthday message for Duterte.
“Ako po may mensahe: Kantahan natin ng ‘Happy Birthday.’ ‘Yun lang po,” Castro said. (I have a message: Let’s sing ‘Happy Birthday.’ That’s all.) She added that Marcos has not yet issued an official statement regarding Duterte’s milestone birthday.
Castro emphasized that birthdays should be a time of happiness, regardless of circumstances.
“Kasi birthday po ‘yun eh, kailangan po maging maligaya ang taong nagbi-birthday at wini-wish po natin siya nang happy birthday,” she explained. (Because it’s a birthday, the person celebrating should be joyful, and we wish them a happy birthday.)
Duterte’s ICC Case and Human Rights Concerns
Duterte is currently detained at an ICC facility as he faces trial for crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs. His administration’s anti-narcotics campaign, which began in 2016, led to an estimated 6,000 deaths according to official government figures.
However, human rights groups claim the real death toll could be between 12,000 to 30,000 victims from 2016 to 2019. This has led to international scrutiny and legal actions against him.
Supporters and Critics React
Duterte’s birthday comes at a time of heightened political tension. Supporters see him as a strong leader who upheld national security. Meanwhile, critics view his ICC case as a significant step in holding leaders accountable for human rights violations.
Some Filipinos continue to express solidarity with Duterte, while others hope his trial sets a precedent for justice. His case remains a pivotal moment in the global fight for human rights and justice.
RELATED STORY: Duterte Human Rights Case: Activists Wish Him More Birthdays
Neutral Stance from Malacañang Palace
Malacañang Palace’s message remains neutral, As the former president marks his 80th year, instead of delving into politics, it focuses on the sentiment of birthday well-wishes rather than the ongoing legal battles.
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