Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has firmly warned his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, and their children against selling his biography for a book or movie, emphasizing that his life story is not for sale.
Avanceña shared Duterte’s sentiments with the media and supporters outside the detention facility of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, where the former president is currently held on charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.
“Never daw ibenta ang life story niya…. Ayaw niya iyan ever since… Ang life story is for them (referring to the children) only,” Avanceña said.
“His life is not for sale, not for any amount of money,” she reiterated.
Despite the gravity of Duterte’s situation, Avanceña described her visit as a positive one.
“Walang iyakan ngayon. Last time kasi napaiyak ako,” she shared, noting that her previous visit had been more emotional.
She also revealed that Duterte was growing restless in detention, repeatedly asking when he could return home.
Avanceña is the latest family member to visit Duterte in The Hague, following Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, and their mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman. Their visit coincided with the “ICC Send Him Home” rally, which was held on May 31 to mark the vice president’s 47th birthday.
During her own visit, Vice President Sara Duterte disclosed that her father had requested to be set free so he could take his oath as mayor of Davao City—a position he previously held for over two decades before becoming president.
Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila under an ICC warrant charging him with crimes against humanity. He was subsequently transferred to The Hague, where he awaits trial. His detention has sparked protests from supporters who argue that his arrest is politically motivated.
As the legal proceedings continue, Duterte’s family remains steadfast in their support, visiting him and advocating for his release. However, his warning against commercializing his life story underscores his desire to keep his personal narrative within the family, rather than turning it into a public spectacle.
