Former president Rodrigo Duterte described himself as “invictus” or undefeated as he awaits a key ruling from the International Criminal Court (ICC), his daughter Veronica “Kitty” Duterte said.

“‘If they ask how I’m doing, tell them, invictus,’” the younger Duterte, who visited him at the ICC detention facility, told Facebook personality Alvin and Tourism on April 21.

Kitty said the word, which means “unconquered” or “undefeated,” reflects her father’s current mindset ahead of the Appeals Chamber’s decision on his jurisdictional appeal.

Her visit came a day before the ICC ruling on whether the Court has jurisdiction over the case against the former president.

The younger Duterte said her father appears to be in stable condition and has begun adjusting to detention.

“So he was okay. He ate a fair amount today. Masaya naman ako kasi (I’m happy because) so long as he’s okay, I’m okay,” she said.

She added that the former president “looks good” and is under proper care.

“He’s in good hands,” she said.

Despite the looming decision, Kitty said they deliberately avoided discussing the hearing during their visit.

“The thing is, whenever there are hearings like that, we don’t talk about it to him so that whatever the decision might be, no disappointments,” she said.

“He said, again, leave it up to God because what man proposes, God disposes,” she added.

Kitty acknowledged that her father feels the weight of being away from his family.

“So we’re just really hoping. I know PRRD is hoping as well because obviously he misses his family and every time we talk about life outside, nalulungkot siya (he becomes sad),” she said.

She also recalled Duterte telling her: “At least you won’t be embarrassed [by] me, kasi wala akong ginawang masama (because I did nothing wrong).”

She responded: “Papa, no one’s embarrassed of you… [We] are very proud to be your flesh and blood.”

Kitty Duterte thanked supporters following the case and expressed hope for her father’s return.

“Maraming salamat sa inyo (Thank you very much). I hope we never stop until he is home. Bring him home,” she said.

She added that both she and her father have turned to prayer as the outcome of the case remains uncertain.

“I’m just really praying… because at the end of the day, it’s beyond our control,” she said.

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign.

Prosecutors allege his involvement in at least 76 killings between 2013 and 2018.

He was arrested in Manila in March 2025 and transferred to The Hague, where he is currently detained at the ICC’s Scheveningen facility.

The Appeals Chamber is expected to rule on whether the ICC has jurisdiction over the case, a key issue that will determine the next steps in the proceedings.