Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday defended her visits to detained political figures, saying there is nothing wrong with showing compassion to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). She emphasized the importance of empathy and encouraged them to continue serving the country’s interests.
Duterte made the remarks during an interview with reporters after attending the Thanksgiving Mass for Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2026 at San Pedro Cathedral.
Responding to questions about her recent visit to the Quezon City Jail to see Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor, and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, the vice president said her actions were consistent with how she had treated PDLs even during her time as mayor of Davao City.
“I don’t see anything wrong with visiting Persons Deprived of Liberty. Noong ako ay mayor pa, bumibisita ako dito sa Maa City Jail. Nagdadala kami ng mga regalo at tinatanong namin sila kung ano yung mga pangangailangan nila,” Duterte said.
She added that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has also conducted outreach and thanksgiving activities in detention facilities, citing a previous visit in Bacolod City.
Duterte said she likewise saw nothing improper in visiting former President Rodrigo Duterte, suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Marcoleta, Estrada, and Defensor, describing them as people she knows personally.
“Wala akong nakikita na masama sa pagbisita sa mga tao tulad ni PRD at iba pang mga nasa loob ng detensyon… kasi kilala ko naman sila and I think kaibigan ko sila. Hindi ko lang alam kung kaibigan nila ako pero sa tingin ko naman kaibigan ko sila,” she said.
The vice president also underscored the emotional and personal challenges faced by detainees.
“Praktikal na reason but yung hindi ka na malaya na magawa kung ano yung mga normal at ordinaryong ginagawa mo sa buhay. So, let’s give sympathy and empathy sa mga PDLs,” she said.
Asked what she discussed with the detained officials during her visit, Duterte said she did not offer them advice but instead left them with a simple message.
“Ang sinabi ko lang sa kanila doon ay kung ano yung para sa bayan, yun ang gawin ninyo. Yun ang message ko sa kanila sa loob. Sabi ko, magpakatatag at kung ano yung para sa bayan, yun ang gawin ninyo,” Duterte said.
