DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte marked Independence Day on Thursday, June 12, with a message of national pride and personal grief over the injustice against his father former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Rep. Duterte emphasized that Independence Day is more than just a festive occasion but also a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives for the country’s freedom.

“This day is a reminder that our liberty was born out of unity, compassion, and an unwavering love for the nation. It is also our responsibility to uphold and defend the principles our ancestors fought for,” Rep. Duterte said in Filipino.

The lawmaker addressed the controversial detention of his ather at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, over alleged crimes committed during his presidency’s war on drugs.

Rep. Duterte condemned the circumstances as a “violation of the country’s sovereignty” and claimed that the former Chief Executive had been “kidnapped by an administration that disregards due process and the pillars of a democratic society.”

“While we commemorate the sacrifices of our heroes, my father continues to be imprisoned –

without due process, without respect for our judicial system,” he said, adding that it is a painful reminder that even at the present time, the struggle for justice remains relevant and real.

Rep. Duterte aired a call to action and reaffirmed his commitment to justice, peace, and national progress. He encouraged people to fight for a future worthy of the Filipino heroes’ sacrifices and his father’s.

Two other members of the Duterte family, newly elected Davao City Councilor Rodrigo “Rigo” II and second district Rep. Vincent Omar, echoed their father in their Independence Day messages.

In his first public Independence Day address as a councilor, Rigo said the day “carries a tinge of sorrow” for their family. While the entire nation celebrates freedom, he added that his grandfather remains detained in a foreign prison, far from the country he loved and faithfully served.

“As the grandchild of a former President who dedicated his entire life to public service, I cannot deny that this day also carries a tinge of sorrow. Yet, even in this situation, we must not forget the true meaning of Independence Day,” Rigo said.

Rigo said may this day serve as a reminder to the people that absolute freedom is not only measured by the absence of chains but by the courage to fight for what is right, even when it is difficult, even when one must stand alone.

“Today, we once again honor the heroism of our ancestors – the Filipinos who bravely fought for our nation, our dignity, and our future. Let us unite, take a stand, and press on for Davao, the Philippines, and the future,” Rigo said.

Omar warned that the fight for genuine freedom continues and called for unity in defending the dignity of the people, particularly those leaders “who have faithfully served the nation,” including former President Duterte.

“I come before you not only as the newly elected representative of the second district. I also speak as the grandchild of a father of the nation – former President Duterte. And as he now faces charges outside our country, I humbly ask for your prayers, support, and resolve,” Omar said.

“Let us not allow the dignity of a leader who boldly fought for peace, order, and the pride of every Filipino to be trampled on. He was not perfect, but he does not deserve to be forgotten – or judged by foreigners who do not fully understand our nation’s struggles,” he added.

In remembering the heroes who gave their lives for today’s freedom, Omar said that may everyone continue to be inspired by their courage and conviction to fight for true freedom with dignity, justice, and compassion for all Filipinos.