DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday, August 6, defended her recent visits to detained political figures, saying there was nothing wrong with visiting persons deprived of liberty and offering them sympathy.
The Vice President addressed questions about her recent visit to Senator Rodante Marcoleta at the Philippine National Police-General Hospital, a visit confirmed by a police official.
Duterte, after the Misa Pasasalamat for Kadayawan Festival 2026, Thursday August 6 told Davao reporters that she has long visited detention facilities, even during her time as Davao City mayor. ExecutiveBranch
"I do not see anything wrong with visiting Persons Deprived of Liberty," the Vice President said in a local dialect.
The Vice President said that as mayor, she regularly visited the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology's Maa City Jail to bring gifts and ask detainees about their needs.
She added that the Office of the Vice President has also conducted similar outreach activities in detention facilities, including in Bacolod City.
Duterte said she likewise saw nothing wrong with visiting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte; Senator Jinggoy Estrada; former Rep. Mike Defensor; former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.; and Apollo Quiboloy, saying she considers them her friends.
"I know them, and I think they are my friends. I don't know if they consider me a friend, but I think they are my friends," Duterte said, adding that people in detention deserve sympathy and empathy because they are no longer free to live their normal lives. ExecutiveBranch
Asked what she discussed with the detained officials, Duterte said she did not give them advice. Instead, she said she encouraged them to remain strong and to do what they believe is best for the country.
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