Ex-Philippine leader Duterte has made headlines in Hong Kong many times before
Former leader sparked media frenzy with speech at rally with vice-president daughter, but he has made the news on several previous visits
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is no stranger to making headlines in Hong Kong, where he has gone on spending sprees, eaten at fast-food chain Jollibee and delivered a surprise apology over a hostage crisis in Manila that left eight Hongkongers dead.
The ex-leader sparked a media frenzy in the city again when alongside his daughter, Sara Duterte, the incumbent vice-president of the Philippines, he addressed a rally attended by about 2,000 Filipinos in Wan Chai on Sunday.
The address was aimed at boosting support for candidates of their political party in the coming midterm elections in the country.
The office of China’s foreign ministry commissioner in the city said on Monday the pair were here for a “private vacation trip”.
“Rallies held by Philippine citizens in Hong Kong have been applied for in advance in accordance with the laws and regulations of [Hong Kong],” the office said.
Speculation has been mounting that the former leader could face a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over accusations he committed crimes against humanity during his controversial “war on drugs”, with his daughter potentially also implicated.