ACTING Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo ‘Rigo’ Duterte II speaks during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos on Tuesday afternoon, July 22, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod in Davao City. (Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – Acting Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II announced on Tuesday afternoon, July 22, plans to visit his grandfather, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in The Hague, Netherlands, in August.
Vice Mayor Duterte said his elder brother, second district Rep. Omar Duterte, and their sister Isabelle, with their father, first district Rep. Paolo Duterte, will join him.
Vice Mayor Duterte described the upcoming trip as a long-overdue family reunion.
He said he might even cry seeing his grandfather and as much as possible, he does not want to talk about any political matters.
Former President Duterte has been staying at The Hague for months in connection with the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court on the controversial anti-drug campaign during his term.
“It’s been a while since we’ve seen our grandfather. More than anything, I want to embrace him, show him our love and gratitude, and let him know how proud we are of his sacrifices, not just for our family, but for the entire Filipino nation,” Vice Mayor Duterte said.
Vice Mayor Duterte expressed desire to seek guidance from his grandfather, particularly on leadership and public service.
He acknowledged the former Chief Executive’s enduring influence in Philippine politics and his aspirations in governance for more than two decades.
“He’s been through so much and has led with strong conviction. I want to learn from his experience,” Vice Mayor Duterte said.