Former president Duterte’s youngest brother passes away
Benjamin "Bong" Duterte, the youngest brother of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has passed away.
His cousin, Nitzkie Lopez Sodusta, announced the news in a Facebook post on Feb. 7.
"Your laughter and spirit will echo in our memories. Thinking of you and the special bond we shared. You touched more lives than you knew—rest in peace," Sodusta wrote.
It was not immediately disclosed what the cause of his death was.
In a Facebook post, Vice President Sara Duterte shared that her late uncle was "one of the strengths" behind her 2025 election campaign.
"We take comfort in our faith, knowing that we now have a campaign manager in heaven securing the success of the Filipino people. Before his passing, he expressed his wish that the wake and burial be limited to family and selected friends. May God grant eternal rest for his soul," she added.
Sen. Bong Go, a close confidant of the Duterte family, also expressed condolences.
"Nagpaabot ng pakikiramay si Senator Bong Go sa pamilya Duterte sa pagpanaw ni G. Benjamin “Bong” Duterte, bunsong kapatid ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte," a statement on his page read.
Benjamin is the youngest sibling in a brood of five. He previously served as a councilor in Davao City for a single term before leaving politics for a more private life.
His older brother Rodrigo is currently facing a case of alleged crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, stemming from his bloody war on drugs campaign during his presidency. He has been at the ICC since March 12, 2025 following his arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
His defense team is currently challenging the court's decision declaring the former president fit to stand in pre-trial proceedings. He's scheduled to appear in the confirmation of charges set for Feb. 23.