Ex-President Rodrigo Duterte extends his hand to his son Davao City Mayor-elect Sebastian Duterte, in this file photo from June 27, 2022. Arman Baylon, Presidential Photo/File

MANILA -- Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte addressed thousands of supporters during the Solidarity Walk in the streets of Davao City on Sunday morning, as he admitted that it has been a rollercoaster of emotions for him since the arrest of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

This was Duterte's second public appearance since his father's arrest. His first was on Wednesday when he visited his father's house amidst rumors of a PNP raid, which prompted many supporters to help guard the residence. 

"Wala gyud ko kasabot sa akong gibati. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me, sa tinuod lang, but everytime makita nako ang suporta ninyo, makusgan gyud ko, salamat kaayo," he said in his speech. 

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(I don't understand what I am feeling. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me, but every time I see your support, it gives me strength. Thank you so much.) 

The former president's son expressed his anger towards the government, stating that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has forgotten that it was the support of the Dutertes and followers that helped him win the 2022 national elections. 

He criticized the government for easily considering the handover of his father to the International Criminal Court, implying that they overlooked his father's many contributions. 

Thus, the mayor urged his supporters to stand up and fight back. 

"I will take this opportunity to tell Mr. Marcos how I feel about him. Mr. President Marcos, you will never be loved, especially to us who are calling Rody Duterte's name, you will never be loved, Mr. Marcos," he said. 

"All you have is the government resources and the term. Beyond that, you are nothing," he added. 

Mayor Baste believes that his father was arrested because he stood up for what he believed could improve the lives of the Filipino people. 

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"Hinuon, wala man akong amahan dinhi, inyong tatay Digong, pero kabalo ko nagpabilin iyahang inspirasyon ug ang iyahang spirit within every Filipino nga na-touch niya sa iyang termino," he said. 

(Even though my father, your Tatay Digong, is not here, I believe that his inspiration and spirit will live on within every Filipino who was touched by his governance.)

ARAW NG DABAW

Meanwhile, the celebration of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw in Davao City on Sunday also featured support for the former president, who served as the city's mayor for two decades.

Some of the 415 contingents who took part in the Parada Dabawenyo wore shirts showing their support for Duterte, while others chanted and shouted his name. Participants also called for the former president's release from the ICC detention center. 

Following the Parada Dabawenyo, over 20,000 participants joined the Solidarity Walk, demonstrating their support for ex-President Duterte.

The 79-year-old Duterte followed via videolink the initial ICC hearing on Friday. In the short hearing, he was informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed, as well as his rights as a defendant.

Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc had allowed him to follow proceedings in absentia due to his long flight to The Hague.

Duterte is the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC.

The ICC said in its arrest warrant there were "reasonable grounds to believe" at least 19 people had been murdered in the city by members of the "Davao Death Squad", headed by Duterte.

Additionally, at least 24 people were killed by Philippines police in various locations, judges believe.

Duterte is still hugely popular among many who supported his quick-fix solutions to crime, and he remains a potent political force. -- with Agence France-Presse