Duterte Coke Zero cans go viral on social media

Personalized Coke Zero cans dedicated to Duterte . FLYING ARINGKINGKING

What started as a lighthearted comment about soda has turned into a viral symbol of support for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte—now detained and awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Social media influencer Flying Aringkingking recently posted a video showing custom-labeled Coca-Cola Zero cans that he ordered from a store in Orlando, Florida. The cans featured messages like “We Love U (FPRRD)” and “Mabuhay ka Tatay (FPRRD)”—FPRRD being short for Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Another Coke can simply read: “Fprrd”. The video quickly racked up views as other Duterte supporters followed suit, using food, drinks, and even desserts to make statements of solidarity.

'Walay Coke?'

The trend may have been sparked by Duterte himself. In a video captured during his stopover in Dubai en route to The Hague last month, Duterte was seen eating a modest lunch of fried rice. Before taking a bite, he was overheard asking, “Walay Coke? (No Coke?)” Supporters took that request to heart. At the ICC detention site in The Hague, where Duterte has been held since March 12, his daughter and Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte told supporters that her father was “in good spirits” but jokingly requested “two cases of Coke Zero.” Filipino fans were quick to oblige—not just with Coke Zero cans, but with birthday cakes for his 80th birthday on March 28. One supporter even sparked a minor controversy after a bakery reportedly refused to write a birthday message for Duterte on the cake. The chain, Goldilocks, later apologized, calling the incident an “isolated case.” Despite the jovial support from his fans, Duterte still faces serious legal hurdles. He was arrested in the Philippines on March 12 and transferred to Scheveningen Prison in The Hague, where the ICC operates its detention center. The former president made his first appearance before the ICC on March 14. His next pre-trial session is scheduled for September 23. If the court approves a full trial, it is expected to begin in early 2026. Duterte stands accused of crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs—a campaign that has drawn both international criticism and strong local support. Still, Duterte remains defiant. “Everything I did, I did for my country,” he said. And now, thanks to a few Coke Zero cans and Filipinos’ viral sense of humor, his supporters are showing they believe him—one fizzy message at a time. CAM/ICA/Expat Media