By Ivy Tejano
THE crowd at former President Rodrigo Duterte's 81st birthday in Davao City. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – Thousands of supporters joined a Solidarity Walk on Saturday afternoon, March 28, to celebrate the 81st birth anniversary of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained overseas for alleged crimes against humanity.
Participants from the public and private sectors began marching around 4 p.m., wearing green shirts and carrying small and large Philippine, Japanese, and United States flags, as they moved from Roxas Ave. to San Pedro Square for a program.
Supporters holding candles and singing Happy Birthday to the former Chief Executive said the activity aimed to convey their greetings and prayers for the patriarch and expressed hope that he would soon return to Davao City.
In a video message, Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte, who is in The Hague for his father, thanked Filipinos worldwide for celebrating the former Chief Executive's birthday and their continued prayers for his health.
"To my fellow Filipinos in different parts of the world who are celebrating the 81st birthday of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, thank you very, very much! Thank you for your continued prayers for his health," Rep. Duterte said.
Rep. Duterte thanked thousands of people who sent letters of support to former President Duterte and noted that their messages conveyed encouragement, prayers, and solidarity during a challenging time.
The lawmaker’s siblings, Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Veronica Duterte, extended warm greetings and messages, thanking supporters across the country and abroad for celebrating former President Duterte’s birthday.
Vice President Duterte stressed the importance of defending her father’s rights and described it as a matter of national sovereignty and called on the public to remain vigilant against what she called weaponization of the law and foreign interference in the country’s judicial processes.
Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go, a longtime aide of the former President, described the occasion as "the saddest birthday" the patriarch experienced and noted his preference for simple, private celebrations focused on helping people in poverty.
Go recalled his years of service with former President Duterte and described him as more than a father to him. He urged supporters to continue praying for the former President's safety, health, and freedom.
Davao City Councilor Luna Maria Dominique Acosta conveyed birthday wishes, saying that while former President Duterte was not present, his supporters gathered to celebrate on his behalf, emphasizing the widespread support he continues to receive.
"I wish you were here with us today. But since you are not, we will celebrate on your behalf. We are all here –Davao City and the entire nation – so many people love you, Tay! Happy, happy birthday! We love you!" Acosta said.
Former Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado delivered the opening remarks at the program and referred to former President Duterte as "a living hero," drawing applause from the crowd.
Other officials and close associates who attended and delivered messages include former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Duterte Youth party-list chairman Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema. Medialdea, however, was assisted offstage after appearing unwell during his speech.
Medialdea is a close friend of the former President and accompanied him as his legal representative when he was brought to The Hague on March 12, 2025, in connection with proceedings before the International Criminal Court.
Also present during the activity were former Presidential Legal Counsel and Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, members of the Davao City Council, and local and national government officials.
Thousands of Davaoeños lined up to receive free food and water distributed during the event. Several groups distributed roasted pig, packed lunch, and bottled water to thank attendees.
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