Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa marked former President Rodrigo Duterte’s 80th birthday with a nostalgic message and old photos of the two during their trademark bonding sessions—riding motorcycles and shooting.
“Happy birthday PRRD! My only wish is for your good health and a swift resolution of your current situation so you can come home soon—and we can ride and shoot again,” Dela Rosa wrote on Facebook.
Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands, received several birthday greetings from allies calling for his strength and eventual return to the Philippines. In a separate statement, Dela Rosa urged him to stay strong, saying, “Everything is temporary. Let’s keep fighting and never surrender.”
Senator Bong Go, Duterte’s long-time aide, also sent his birthday wishes, encouraging the former leader to “trust the process” while offering prayers for his well-being and freedom.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero extended his prayers for Duterte’s safety and healing, recognizing his readiness to face accountability. Escudero noted Duterte’s past remarks about accepting full responsibility for his actions during the controversial drug war.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos joked about visiting Duterte in The Hague to personally deliver a ₱10,000 check—his entitlement under the expanded Centenarians Act—as he now qualifies at 80 years old.
Despite being behind bars, Duterte continues to receive outpouring support from close allies and many Filipinos, as echoed by Dela Rosa: “Even those outside the country continue to stand by him.”