A public rally titled “Free Duterte Now” is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 22 June 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Parliament Gardens, Melbourne. The event is being organised by Filipino community members in Australia who express support for former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
“Join us as we stand united in a show of strength, truth, and support for our beloved former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” reads the rally’s public call from Duterte supporters.
The rally is expected to feature Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte as a special guest. Organisers portray the event as a “people’s movement” aimed at promoting unity and advocating for what they consider truth and justice. According to promotional materials, no donations, solicitations, or gifts will be accepted. Over 1,000 people are expected to gather, with attendees travelling from various parts of Australia to join the event.
Rado Gatchalian, core leader of Duterte Down Under and founder of the April30ForDU30 Global Movement – Sydney, described the rally as an opportunity for nationwide solidarity among supporters.
“This will be a good opportunity for Duterte supporters, not only based in Melbourne, but entire Australia, to come together and join in this public rally calling for the ICC to free former President Rodrigo Duterte. Supporters from Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Darwin are coming,” Gatchalian said.
“Likewise, this is a much-awaited event as VP Inday Sara is coming for the first time in Australia – which excites Duterte supporters. From this gathering, we would like to show that many Fil-Aussies continue to support Duterte, recognising the achievements he has done for our country,” Gatchalian added.
However, the planned visit of Vice President Duterte and accompanying Philippine lawmakers has drawn strong opposition from several Filipino-Australian organisations and human rights advocates. In an open letter addressed to Australian officials, including Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a coalition of groups urged the government to deny entry to Vice President Duterte and fellow Senators Imee Marcos, Bong Go, and Robin Padilla.
The letter, signed by leaders from BAYAN Australia, Gabriela, Migrante, AnakBayan, and other advocacy groups, claims that the visiting delegation are “endorsers and enablers” of former President Duterte’s policies, which are under scrutiny at the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity, including murder and extrajudicial killings during the administration’s war on drugs.
Critics argue that allowing the delegation to speak in Australia could be interpreted as tacit support for impunity, and they warn that the visit may deepen political division among the Filipino diaspora. The letter also points to Vice President Duterte’s ongoing impeachment proceedings in the Philippines over alleged corruption, abuse of power, and destabilisation efforts against the current government.
“These abuses go against the democratic principles, rule of law and respect for human rights which Australia is known to adhere to,” the letter states.
The Australian Government has not made any official public statement regarding the visa status or travel plans of the visiting officials at the time of writing.
The “Free Duterte Now” rally is open to the public.
