Baste Duterte to Marcos: ‘We Will Rise and Fight Back’
Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte delivered a fiery speech on Sunday, publicly criticizing and cursing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. following the arrest and transfer of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges of crimes against humanity.
Speaking at the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebration, Baste Duterte accused Marcos of orchestrating what he called an “illegal” arrest and vowed retaliation.
“We will stand up, and we will fight back.”
“You Will Never Be Loved”
Addressing the President directly, Baste Duterte launched a verbal attack, claiming that Marcos will never earn the love and loyalty of the Filipino people, particularly those who support his father.
“Mr. President Marcos, you will never be loved, especially by those who call out the name of Rody Duterte. You will never be loved. All you have are government resources and your term. Beyond that, you are nothing!”
His remarks were met with loud cheers from the crowd.
Duterte’s Arrest and ICC Case
The 79-year-old Rodrigo Duterte was arrested last Tuesday upon his arrival in Manila from Hong Kong. He was then transferred to The Hague Penitentiary Institution (Scheveningen Prison) in the Netherlands, where he faces charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged human rights violations linked to his controversial war on drugs.
On Friday, Duterte made his first appearance before the ICC via video link from his detention center. His next hearing on the confirmation of charges is set for September 23, 2025.
“Marcos Family Name is Synonymous with Martial Law”
Baste Duterte also took aim at the Marcos family, associating their name with dictatorship and oppression.
“It seems to me that the stories I’ve heard about martial law and oppression are synonymous with the Marcos family name,” he said, as the crowd chanted, “Marcos resign!”
He further lambasted Marcos Jr. for allowing his father’s arrest, despite Rodrigo Duterte approving the burial of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016.
Thousands Rally in Solidarity Walk for Duterte
In a show of support, an estimated 30,000 people participated in a Solidarity Walk in Davao City, dressed in black as a symbolic gesture for the Duterte family.
The crowd gathered at San Pedro Square, where Baste Duterte expressed his gratitude and frustration over recent developments.
“Let’s not be surprised. These traditional politicians do not want real change in this country. They don’t want a Rudy Duterte in government because he messes up their political games.”
