Here's What Former President Rodrigo Duterte Is Doing Now
It's been almost seven years since Duterte was elected president of the Philippines, and a lot has happened. If you're wondering what the former president has been up to after exiting Malacañang Palace, read on to find out how he's been keeping busy.
The International Criminal Court
Early this year, the International Criminal Court said it would reopen its investigation into "crimes against humanity" in the Philippines over Duterte's antidrug campaign. The former president called the investigation insulting to the country. "You are insulting," he said. "What I said that if you destroy my country, I will kill you. I never said you kill Mr. Santos or whoever."
When the topic was brought up again in March, Duterte said he was ready to face the consequences at the national prosecutors' convention. "Wala akong pakialam, basta ginawa ko iyong dapat kong gawin. I'll face the music, I will rot in prison and I will die in prison," he said.
His TV Show
Duterte appears on Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI)'s Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa, a weekly TV program he lasted hosted together with Kingdom of Jesus Christ and SMNI founder Apollo Quiboloy. The program tackles recent news and events, as well as Duterte responding to questions and comments from viewers.
On one of the recent episodes, Duterte responded to President Bongbong Marcos acknowledging that abuses were committed during the former president's antidrug campaign. The topic was brought up by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque who appeared on the program.
"I am sure [that] if you read the context of the President's speech, which I had already, tama siya," Duterte said. "I am not sure if he was quoted [by news reports] in the complete context of the statement. I am sure it was not intended to criticize [me] because he knows how hard it is to be President. He's facing a serious problem right now."
On Social Media
Duterte regularly posts on his Facebook. He greeted his followers on the occasion of Eid'l Fitr, Labor Day, and Mother's Day. There are also tributes to recently passed officials, selfies with Bong Go, reposts of photos and videos from Bong Go's Facebook.
The former president isn't on Instagram, but a video greeting of his has been spotted on a Korean hair salon's page which recently opened a location in Makati. The salon is frequented by his partner Honeylet Avanceña and daughter Veronica "Kitty" Duterte in Davao.
In the video, he says: "I would like to congratulate Deeno and Marjorie Jeong and the entire staff of the SVS Korean Salon for expanding their business to the National Capital Region in Manila. I have every confidence that your new branch in Bel-Air, Makati will deliver the same superior and unparalleled quality of service that has made you so famous here in Davao. This achievement proves, once again, that the enterprising and ingenious qualities of the Davaoeño businessman can rival and even exceed any of those in the world. Once again, congratulations and more power to SVS Korean Salon and Spa."
His Private Life
Immediately after his last day in office, Duterte went back to Davao. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon confirmed the news, saying "After this, ang alam ko uuwi siya ng Davao mamaya. I'm not sure, he might pass by the residence diyan sa kabila then go to Davao. Mag-commercial flight siya."
In December, the former president made headlines for distributing Christmas gifts to cancer-stricken kids at the Southern Philippines Medical Center - Children Cancer Institute and the House of Hope in Davao. He also pledged P3 million from his pension to the House of Hope.
Lately, his daughter Kitty has filled entertainment news sites. PEP reported that the 18-year-old has bagged endorsements for Fairy Doll Skin Essentials, Goddess Nails & Beauty Lounge, Ayumi Art and Beauty Studios, and Lutz Dental Med. She also made headlines for celebrating her 18th birthday at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Davao City.
