NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
FPRRD Leaves Final Wishes With VP Sara: 'Cremate Me Wherever I Die'
Photo credit: ICC
Former President Rodrigo Duterte seems to be bidding farewell as he shared his final wishes with his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, on July 8, 2025.
According to VP Sara, her father made it clear that he does not want his remains brought back to the Philippines if he passes away abroad. Instead, he asked to be cremated in the place where he dies — whether in the Netherlands, where he currently is, or elsewhere.
“He already gave his last wishes. He said that if he dies here in the Netherlands, don’t bring his body back to the Philippines — just have him cremated here,” the Vice President recounted.
While she respects her father’s decision, VP Sara admitted that she personally hopes it never comes to that. She confessed that she is not in favor of cremation and is still hoping that her father stays with them much longer.
The former president, often called Tatay Digong by his supporters, has been known for his candid and pragmatic outlook on life and death. His latest request reflects this same straightforward attitude — a wish to spare his family the burden of repatriating his remains and to keep things simple even in passing.
Still, the Vice President’s remarks reveal the emotional toll such conversations can bring. For her, and for many Filipinos who hold Duterte close to their hearts, it’s not easy to think about saying goodbye.
For now, VP Sara remains hopeful. As she expressed, the family continues to pray for her father’s health — and that his final wishes need not be fulfilled anytime soon.
According to VP Sara, her father made it clear that he does not want his remains brought back to the Philippines if he passes away abroad. Instead, he asked to be cremated in the place where he dies — whether in the Netherlands, where he currently is, or elsewhere.
“He already gave his last wishes. He said that if he dies here in the Netherlands, don’t bring his body back to the Philippines — just have him cremated here,” the Vice President recounted.
While she respects her father’s decision, VP Sara admitted that she personally hopes it never comes to that. She confessed that she is not in favor of cremation and is still hoping that her father stays with them much longer.
The former president, often called Tatay Digong by his supporters, has been known for his candid and pragmatic outlook on life and death. His latest request reflects this same straightforward attitude — a wish to spare his family the burden of repatriating his remains and to keep things simple even in passing.
Still, the Vice President’s remarks reveal the emotional toll such conversations can bring. For her, and for many Filipinos who hold Duterte close to their hearts, it’s not easy to think about saying goodbye.
For now, VP Sara remains hopeful. As she expressed, the family continues to pray for her father’s health — and that his final wishes need not be fulfilled anytime soon.
Jul 9, 2025
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