Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte did not hold back as he fiercely criticized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in front of thousands of supporters during the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebration. The younger Duterte’s fiery speech came after his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested and sent to The Hague, Netherlands, to face crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“You Will Never Be Loved!”
In a powerful address, Baste Duterte accused Marcos of betraying his father and declared that he and his supporters would not stay silent.
“Mr. President Marcos, you will never be loved, especially by those who chant Rody Duterte’s name. You will never be loved, Mr. Marcos!”
His words sparked cheers from the crowd, many of whom came dressed in black to symbolize their support for the Duterte family.
Baste went on to taunt the President, claiming that beyond his government power and position, Marcos was “nothing.”
“All you have is government resources and your term. Beyond that, you are nothing!”
Duterte’s Arrest and ICC Trial
Authorities arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte upon his arrival in Manila from Hong Kong last Tuesday. He was later transferred to The Hague Penitentiary Institution, commonly known as Scheveningen Prison, where he now faces trial for alleged human rights violations committed during his war on drugs.
The 79-year-old former president appeared before the ICC via video link for the first time last Friday. His confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
“Marcos = Martial Law & Oppression”
During his speech, Baste Duterte accused the Marcos family of oppression, directly linking them to the dark years of martial law.
“It seems to me, the stories I’ve heard about martial law and oppression are synonymous with the Marcos family name.”
The crowd erupted in protest, chanting “Marcos Resign!”
Baste also lashed out at the President for allowing his father’s arrest, despite Rodrigo Duterte permitting the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016.
30,000 Join Duterte Solidarity Walk
Earlier in the day, an estimated 30,000 Duterte supporters participated in a Solidarity Walk in Davao City to show their support for the former president.
Gathering at San Pedro Square, the crowd listened as Baste Duterte continued his attack on “traditional politicians” who, according to him, feared real change.
“Traditional politicians don’t want change in this country. They don’t want a Rudy Duterte because he will ruin their games in government.”
Despite his father’s detention in the Netherlands, Baste Duterte made one thing clear: The fight is far from over.
