Kitty Duterte

Veronica "Kitty" Avanceña Duterte (born April 10, 2004) is a Filipino personality 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.^[1][2]

Early life and education

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.^[1]

Incident during Rodrigo Duterte's arrest

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.^[1]

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.^[1]

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.^[1]

Personal life

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.^[1]