Palace wishes Duterte ‘good health, good fortune’: ‘He needs that’

Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s initial appearance took place on Friday, 14 March 2025, at 14:00 hours (The Hague local time), before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”). ©ICC-CPI

MANILA, Philippines — A Palace official on Friday sent well wishes to former President Rodrigo Duterte on the occasion of his his 80th birthday.

“Of course we wish [for] more years to come. We also wish good health, good fortune, he needs that,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said when asked if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had a message for Duterte.

She had earlier told the public to wish Duterte a “happy birthday,” saying that a person celebrating their birthday should be joyful.

She noted though that the Palace will not conduct any activity related to the former president’s birthday.

READ: Rodrigo Duterte marks 80th birthday in ICC detention

Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands, after the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered his arrest for alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s war on drugs.

His supporters and critics are set to hold different activities on Friday.

Castro said the Palace cannot stop groups from holding activities or expressing their opinions and sentiments, as these are part of their right to free expression.

READ: Family, supporters rally as Duterte marks 80th birthday in ICC jail

“It is right for the world to know, not just the interest of former President Duterte to be heard, but also the interest of the victims must be heard by the whole world,” she said.

According to government data, the war on drugs claimed around 6,000 lives, but human rights groups estimate the actual number exceeds 20,000.

Duterte appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 14 for the first time, where judges verified his identity, informed him of the charges against him, and enumerated his rights.

His confirmation of charges hearing is set on September 23, 2025.