Kitty Duterte

Kitty Duterte
Duterte in 2026 on her 22nd birthday
Born
Veronica Avanceña Duterte

(2004-04-10) April 10, 2004 (age 22)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Citizenship
  • United States
  • Philippines
EducationStella Maris Academy of Davao
Known forYoungest daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, 16th president of the Philippines
Political party
HTL (since 2025)
Parents
Relatives
FamilyDuterte
Instagram information
Page
Years active2016-present
Followers2 million
Last updated: March 25, 2026

Veronica "Kitty" Avanceña Duterte (born April 10, 2004) is a Filipino socialite who is the youngest daughter of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte and his partner Cielito "Honeylet" Avanceña. She became a recognizable figure on social media during her father's presidency and has occasionally drawn media attention for her outspoken remarks and activities.

On March 11, 2025, Duterte livestreamed and recorded her father's arrest by police authorities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and his transport to Villamor Air Base in Manila, which were used by several news outlets due to the lack of media presence during the arrest.

Early life and education

Duterte with her father, Rodrigo Duterte
Duterte in 2016

Veronica Avanceña Duterte was born in San Diego, United States, on April 10, 2004, to then-Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte and then-nurse Cielito "Honeylet" Avanceña. Rodrigo himself had not visited the country since 2000, having expressed disdain for the country since the Evergreen Hotel explosion in Davao City in 2002. Avanceña, who had been working in the U.S., returned to the Philippines with Kitty shortly after the latter's birth.

Duterte studied at Stella Maris Academy in Davao City.

Political involvement

Incident during Rodrigo Duterte's arrest

Rodrigo Duterte takes oath as the 16th President of the Philippines. Kitty Duterte is on the right of her father, holding the Bible

On March 11, 2025, during the arrest of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Kitty Duterte was heard cursing at then-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director General and former Chief of the Philippine National Police Nicolas Torre in a video she posted on her Instagram account. Torre, who was explaining flight arrangements for Duterte, said he did not take offense at Kitty’s remarks, noting that he "had seen worse" and understood the heightened emotions of the situation.

In April 2025, Duterte, along with her half-brothers Paolo and Sebastian, filed a petition before the Supreme Court of the Philippines seeking the return of their father from detention in The Hague under the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC). She requested that the High Court hold oral arguments on the habeas corpus petition, arguing that the judiciary had a role in safeguarding constitutional rights in relation to foreign detention.

In May 2025, Honeylet confirmed that Rodrigo had urged Duterte to both continue her schooling and follow his career path after Kitty had expressed her reluctance to enter politics. Duterte campaigned for several of Rodrigo's endorsed candidates for senator in the 2025 election, citing her father's arrest as the reason for her active campaigning.

In August 2025, Duterte confirmed that her father had undergone a checkup and is in stable condition, and also she and along with her three siblings visited their father in The Hague. She later revealed in March that she and her siblings were unable to watch the confirmation of charges against their father due to distress.

Political affiliation and support

Duterte is a member of the local party her father founded, the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL). Duterte also supported her half-sister vice president Sara's 2028 presidential bid. On September 9, 2026, she sent a video message to the Club Filipino launch of the Inday Sara Na Movement Philippines (ISMP) established by former RP2 broadcaster Daniel Nobleza Salasalan, which came in the aftermath of Sara's arrest warrant and bail: "Those who accountable must be held accountable. No one will be left behind. We will return in 2028."

Personal life

Kitty Duterte (second to the left) and her paternal half-siblings during their visit to former President Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague on August 27, 2025

Duterte has cited her mother as a major influence and has expressed interest in pursuing careers in business or law. She is also known to be a fan of international pop singers such as Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande. In November 2023, One News reported that Duterte was in a relationship with De La Salle Green Archers guard Evan Nelle. Speculation about the couple's relationship began prior to the start of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament, and Duterte was later seen attending La Salle games in support of Nelle. By May 2024, Duterte and Nelle had unfollowed each other's Instagram accounts.

Beginning in 2022, a child named Mira ("Mimi", born 2019) is seen being raised by Duterte's parents. It was later revealed that Mira is the daughter of Duterte's half-nephew, Omar Duterte, with his Japanese former girlfriend. Duterte attributes her tattoo of a rose on her chest to Mira.

A week after her father's arrest in March 2025, several of her private Instagram posts involving her alleged use of marijuana were leaked to the public, with the associated phrase "wake and bake" becoming viral.

Duterte was later confirmed to in a relationship with Vic Singson, the grandson of Chavit Singson and a member of the Ilocos Sur Provincial Board in his capacity as the president of the province's Sangguniang Kabataan Federation. Duterte celebrated her 22nd birthday in a hospital and she was visited by Senator Bong Go.

Citizenship

Duterte is a dual American and Filipino citizen, having been born in the United States to Filipino parents. In April 2025, she was seen holding a United States passport while outside the Scheveningen penitentiary in The Hague, where her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, was detained. Responding to criticism online, Duterte maintained that she was a private citizen and did not need to explain her citizenship status, emphasizing that she was also a Filipino citizen.

Notes

  1. ↑ Although Kitty Duterte was born in the United States, her official documents possess her mother's maiden name which is Avanceña.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Gatwiri, Juster (March 2, 2020). "Kitty Duterte bio: age, height, boyfriend, family, study". KAMI.com.ph. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Philippines' Duterte questions reason for his arrest in video posted by media". Reuters. Manila. March 11, 2025. Retrieved October 11, 2025. 'You have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty,' Duterte said in a video that GMA said had been supplied by his youngest daughter, Veronica Duterte.
  3. ↑ Regencia, Ted (March 12, 2025). "Why has the Philippines arrested ex-President Duterte on ICC warrant?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved October 11, 2025. In another video posted on Instagram by Duterte's youngest daughter, Veronica Duterte, the former leader was seen asking authorities, 'What is the law and what is the crime that I committed?' 'Explain to me now the legal basis for my being here, as apparently I was brought here not of my own volition. It's somebody else's,' he added.
  4. ↑ Picheta, Rob (March 12, 2025). "Former Philippine President Duterte in ICC custody over anti-drugs crackdown". CNN. Retrieved October 11, 2025. 'They are taking him out on a plane by force without considering his health conditions,' the former authoritarian's youngest daughter Veronica Duterte wrote on Instagram.
  5. ↑ Esguerra, Christian (March 14, 2025). "Pagkalat ng fake news tungkol sa pag-aresto kay Duterte" [Spread of fake news regarding the arrest of Duterte]. YouTube (in Filipino and English). Event occurs at 6:09. Retrieved October 11, 2025. Parang nakita natin 'yan, sir, doon sa ano, eh... marami sa mga media organizations, in the absence of information that they thought they had to produce or report, nag-rely doon sa mga post sa social media nung anak ni Rodrigo Duterte, si Kitty Duterte, without validating with the proper authorities kung totoo ba.
  6. ↑ Vitug, Marites Dañguilan; Elemia, Camille (2025). "Roots of Affection". Unrequited Love: Duterte's China Embrace. Bughaw. pp. 1, 8.
  7. ↑ "Why Duterte wants PH visa for Americans". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. October 21, 2016. Archived from the original on January 16, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  8. ↑ Caruncho, Eric (May 15, 2016). "Who is Honeylet Avanceña, the woman behind Duterte?". Inquirer Lifestyle. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  9. 1 2 "Torre on Kitty Duterte cursing him: 'Ayos lang 'yon'". ABS-CBN News. March 13, 2025. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  10. ↑ Bolledo, Jairo (April 8, 2025). "Kitty asks SC to hold oral arguments on petitions seeking Duterte's return". Rappler. Retrieved August 26, 2025.[dead link]
  11. ↑ Laqui, Ian (April 8, 2025). "Kitty Duterte asks Supreme Court to hold arguments over father's arrest". Philstar.com. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  12. 1 2 Untalan, Sherylin (May 6, 2025). "Rodrigo Duterte urged daughter Kitty to follow his footsteps in politics, says Honeylet". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
  13. ↑ Reyes, Dempsey; Sarao, Zacarian (August 29, 2025). "All 4 Duterte siblings visit ex-President together at The Hague". Inquirer.net. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
  14. ↑ Tejano, Ivy (August 14, 2025). "Kitty Duterte: FPRRD undergoes checkup, in stable condition". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 6, 2025.
  15. ↑ Domingo, Katrina (March 3, 2026). "'Hindi namin kaya': Kitty Duterte says Digong's kids skipped watching ICC hearing". ABS-CBN. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  16. ↑ Lacorte, Germelina (November 27, 2025). "Kitty Duterte, an incoming Davao City councilor?". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
  17. ↑ "'All of us are very proud': Kitty Duterte backs VP Sara's 2028 presidential bid". DZRH News. March 3, 2026. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  18. ↑ Mangaluz, Jean (September 9, 2026). "Kitty Duterte calls for accountability, thanks supporters amid VP Sara's legal battles". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 10, 2026.
  19. ↑ Delgado, Harlene (September 9, 2026). "Pro-Sara Duterte group to 'show support' at her arraignment at QC court". ABS-CBN News. Manila. Retrieved September 10, 2026.
  20. ↑ Ong, Ghio (July 13, 2017). "Netizen sued over BPI deposit 'joke'". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines. Retrieved September 10, 2026. An initial probe by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that the screenshots [Daniel Angelo Nobleza] Salasalan posted on his Facebook account to prove his claims were spliced.
  21. ↑ "Kitty Duterte, celebs spotted in Ariana Grande concert". ABS-CBN News. August 22, 2017. Archived from the original on March 25, 2026. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  22. 1 2 Fajardo, Chester (November 10, 2023). "La Salle star Evan Nelle gives sneak peek of relationship with Kitty Duterte". One News. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  23. ↑ "Is it over? Evan Nelle, Kitty Duterte unfollow each other on IG". Politiko. May 31, 2024. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  24. ↑ Politiko.com.ph (September 1, 2022). "Kitty Duterte shares new selfie with Mimi". Politiko Mindanao. MCD Multimedia Corporation. Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025. Former President Duterte's daughter Veronica 'Kitty' Duterte recently shared to the world another photo with her family member, Mimi.
  25. ↑ Politiko.com.ph (July 27, 2023). "Kitty Duterte offers glimpses into moments with Mira and mom Honeylet!". Politiko. MCD Multimedia Corporation. Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025. Kitty Duterte, the daughter of former President Duterte, recently took to social media to share endearing snapshots of cherished moments spent with her sister Mira and mother Honeylet within the comfort of their home.
  26. ↑ Edge Davao (December 8, 2024). "Former President Rodrigo Duterte's great granddaughter, Mira..." Facebook. Meta Platforms, Inc. Archived from the original on March 18, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
  27. ↑ Politiko.com.ph (February 17, 2025). "'55 and thriving': Honeylet Avanceña gets birthday love from Rody Duterte, family". Politiko Mindanao. MCD Multimedia Corporation. Archived from the original on February 17, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025. It was a picture-perfect day for the birthday girl as she was flanked by the former leader, Kitty and little Mimi.
  28. ↑ Siongco, Ronald; Global Daily Mirror (February 17, 2025). ""Maligayang kaarawan, Ma'am Honeylet!"". Facebook. Meta Platforms, Inc. Archived from the original on March 18, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025. [...]says [Bong] Go as he shares snapshots with the former First Couple, their daughter social media personality Kitty Duterte and granddaughter Mira.
  29. ↑ Politiko.com.ph (February 8, 2022). "Kitty Duterte shows off tattoos on latest modeling stint". Politiko Mindanao. MCD Multimedia Corporation. Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025. Fifteen year old Veronica 'Kitty' Duterte was recently seen sporting clear skin and newly lifted lashes, along with a brand new ink, during her shoot for Lutz Dental Clinic.
  30. ↑ Duterte, Veronica (April 4, 2023). "living for your squeaky morning giggles and obnoxious yelling[...]". Instagram. Meta Platforms, Inc. Archived from the original on February 25, 2025. Retrieved February 24, 2025. [H]appy 4th birthday to my aries twin, my favorite person in the whole world and the meaning of my infamous rose tattoo 🤣[...]}
  31. ↑ Bengo, Xianna (March 19, 2025). "Social media buzzes over the alleged leak of Kitty Duterte's private Instagram stories". Inquirer POP!. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  32. ↑ Gloria, Glenda M. (March 24, 2025). "[Rappler's Best] Male captus bene detentus". Rappler. Retrieved October 11, 2025. A younger daughter, who shot to Instagram fame for her screams of love for the father, was dumped by friends for baking while waking or whatever the "wake and bake" term means.
  33. ↑ "Kitty Duterte, kumpirmadong karelasyon na ang apo ni Chavit Singson". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  34. ↑ Santiago, Ervin (May 13, 2026). "Kitty Duterte, Vic Singson naglaplapan sa Bora, nagpalitan ng 'I love you'" (in Filipino). Bandera. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  35. ↑ "Kitty Duterte nag-birthday sa ospital, dinalaw ni Bong Go". INQUIRER.net. 2026-04-11. Retrieved 2026-04-12.
  36. ↑ Politiko (March 20, 2017). "Mahihirapang maging politiko! Duterte reveals Kitty an American citizen" [Will be difficult to become a politician!]. Politiko (in English and Filipino). MCD Multimedia Corporation. Archived from the original on March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025. In a speech before the Filipino community in Myanmar Sunday (March 19), Duterte revealed that Kitty is an American citizen.
  37. ↑ Cariaso, Bella (April 15, 2025). "Kitty Duterte on US passport: I'm a private citizen". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 26, 2025.