Rigo Duterte to Visit FPRRD in The Hague This August; Pulong Makes Surprise Appearance at City Council Davao City

7/22/25, 7:00 AM

Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II has revealed plans to visit his grandfather, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in The Hague this August, accompanied by his siblings and their father, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.

Speaking during Tuesday’s Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum, the young Duterte said the trip is a long-anticipated reunion for their family, especially in light of recent events that have placed the former President at the center of international attention.

Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II has revealed plans to visit his grandfather, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in The Hague this August, accompanied by his siblings and their father, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.  

Speaking during Tuesday’s Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum, the young Duterte said the trip is a long-anticipated reunion for their family, especially in light of recent events that have placed the former President at the center of international attention.  

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen our lolo. More than anything, I just want to embrace him, to show him our love, our gratitude, and to let him know how proud we are of his sacrifices—not just for our family, but for the entire Filipino nation,” Rigo Duterte said.  

Rigo added that he hopes to seek his grandfather’s advice, particularly on matters of governance and public service.  “He’s been through so much and has led with strong conviction. I want to learn from his experience,” he said, underscoring his desire to follow in the footsteps of a leader who remains a central figure in Philippine political discourse.  

The former President has been in The Hague, Netherlands, for the past several months, amid pending proceedings related to the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the anti-drug campaign under his administration.  Despite the gravity of the circumstances, his family continues to express unwavering support.  

Meanwhile, in an unexpected gesture of solidarity and paternal pride, Congressman Pulong Duterte made a surprise visit to the Davao City Council on Tuesday afternoon, just as the regular session was about to begin. The elder Duterte flashed a thumbs-up to his son, who was already presiding as acting vice mayor.  

When asked about his visit, the congressman said he wanted to personally witness how his son was managing the session.  “I’m very proud of Rigo. He’s doing well, and I can see he takes the responsibility seriously,” the congressman said.  He also shared a reminder with his son—one that echoes a recurring theme in the Duterte family’s brand of politics.  “Never forget the people. 

They’re the reason we are here. Public service is about them, not us,” he said, before adding, “Dapat nga ipakita niya sa mga taga Davao nga naa siya katakos ug siguraduhon niya nga di niya sayangon ang boto ug pagsalig sa mga Dabawenyo sa iyaha, sa pamilya, ug sa Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod.”  The planned family visit in August is expected to be a significant and emotional moment for the Dutertes, who remain one of the most prominent political families in the country.