DAVAO CITY – Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, youngest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, thanked all Filipinos, particularly Davaoeños, on Tuesday, May 13, for their unwavering support for her father amid political controversies and his physical absence from the public eye.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the love and support you have shown (for my father). As a daughter, I cannot thank you enough,” Veronica said in a letter addressed to Filipinos and Davaoeños widely shared on social media.

Veronica recalled the former President’s public service for over two decades. She said the elder Duterte’s decision to run for office was for the future of the people he served, emphasizing that he rarely called himself a politician but a public servant.

She defended former President Duterte’s legacy against the criticisms and alleged propaganda, asserting that efforts to discredit his leadership have not swayed public sentiment. She said they cannot orchestrate the negation of her father’s outstanding and authentic leadership.

“I have never seen patriotism as fervent as his. His love for his country runs deep in his core, roots, and unequivocal pride in being a Filipino. Although it is not wrong to put family first, he is the only public servant who prioritizes his country,” Veronica said.

Veronica also reflected on her bond with her father, expressing the emotional toll of his absence, while reassuring the public that he remains in good health and high spirits. She added that the Duterte patriarch does not wish to see his supporters in distress.

“Our strength gives him strength—take it from a daughter who truly knows him. If he were here, I’d proudly tell him: ‘I believe the most crucial element to our victories is the fact that we do not please people’,” she said.

Her message to former President Duterte comes amid renewed public interest in his political influence, especially following his success as the comeback mayor herey, along with his two sons, two grandchildren, and the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod candidates.

His sons, Sebastian, won the vice mayoral race while Paolo Duterte remains in his post as representative of the first congressional district.

The lawmaker’s sons, Omar Vincent, will soon serve the second district as congressman, and Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, was voted first district councilor.

Veronica said former President Duterte is aware of the successes of his sons, grandsons, and the other candidates, and that he is grateful not just because they were elected, but the people gave a chance to those who share his vision for a better and more progressive nation and city.

She emphasized that the public’s support was not merely for individuals, but for ideals. Describing her father as “a simple man from Mindanao uncorrupted by power and fame,” she said former President Duterte remains a symbol of the ordinary Filipino in an extraordinary field.

Veronica concluded her letter by affirming Duterte's endless dedication to public service despite the recent challenges the family encountered. With the result of the midterm elections in Davao City, she underscored the importance of principles over power.

The Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod Party also extended thanked the people of Davao City for their overwhelming trust and resounding support in the elections.

In a statement, the HTL said the landslide victory of all their candidates—across the positions of mayor, vice mayor, all three congressional districts, and all city council seats—marks a strong and united affirmation of the leadership and service that our movement has long stood for.

The HTL said the sweeping mandate is not simply a win for the HTL—it is a triumph of genuine public service, principled leadership, and grassroots governance and a proclamation by people of Davao City that they continue to believe in a leadership that listens, acts, and delivers.

“We thank you for standing firm and showing courage in the face of coordinated disinformation, resource-driven coercion, and brazen attempts to influence the electoral process. The people’s voice rang louder than deceit, and their votes carried the weight of dignity and truth,” HTL said.