Kitty Duterte
Veronica Avanceña Duterte, often referred to as Kitty, is an American-born 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 the arrest of her father by police authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and at the Villamor Air Base, which were used by several news outlets due to the lack of media presence during the arrest.
Early life and education
Veronica Avanceña Duterte was born in the San Diego, California on April 10, 2004, to then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and then-nurse Cielito "Honeylet" Avanceña. Rodrigo himself had not visited the United States since the year 2000, having expressed disdain for the country since the Evergreen Hotel explosion in Davao City in 2002. Avanceña 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
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 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. 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 underwent a checkup and is in stable condition, and also she and along with her 3 half siblings visited their father in The Hague.
Political party
Duterte is a member of the local party her father chairs, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod.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 stars such as Selena Gomez.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.
Beginning in 2022, a child named Mira is seen being raised by Kitty's parents, Mira is the daughter of Omar Duterte with his former girlfriend who is a Japanese. She attributes the rose tattoo 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 is also in a relationship with Vic Singson, the grandson of Chavit Singson.