MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go paid tribute to former President Rodrigo Duterte on his 80th birthday, urging supporters to uphold Duterte’s values of public service, sacrifice, and love for the country.
Go, who served as Duterte’s longtime aide, recalled how the former president traditionally spent his birthday with cancer patients—a practice he vowed to continue in Duterte’s absence.
“On this day, I just want to extend my heartfelt prayers and support to Tatay Digong. He is a leader who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the Filipino people. Even now, we can still feel his genuine concern,” Go said.
Duterte, known for his simple lifestyle, would celebrate his birthday with cancer patients instead of hosting lavish parties, Go shared. “For the past 26 years, sometimes we would be in Smokey Mountain—he never threw parties, he wasn’t fond of them. I, too, never had a party in the 26 years I worked with him. I felt shy because if he didn’t celebrate with a party, who am I to do so?”
Go vowed to continue this tradition by providing meals and assistance to cancer patients. “We will provide meals, and we have friends who also want to help by providing food for cancer patients,” he said.
The senator also called on Duterte’s supporters to offer prayers for his health and safety. “Let us come together in prayer. I appeal to our fellow Filipinos: Let us pray for Tatay Digong. Let us pray for his health. Let us pray for his safety. He is alone, and he is in a difficult situation. And let us pray for his freedom.”
Duterte is currently detained at the Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, Netherlands, after being arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong on March 11. The former president is facing a case of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged human rights violations committed during his administration’s war on drugs.
Duterte appeared before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on March 14, where he was informed of the charges against him and his rights under the ICC Rome Statute. His confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23.
The Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign resulted in at least 6,000 deaths, according to official government data. However, human rights groups estimate the actual toll to be between 12,000 and 30,000 from 2016 to 2019.
Despite the ongoing case, Go remains steadfast in his support for Duterte and encouraged others to stand by him. “Even though we are saddened by what is happening to Tatay Digong, I always remember his advice to me: Just do what is right. Prioritize the nation’s interest. Put the welfare of the Filipino people, especially the poor, first, and you will never go wrong.”