FORMER Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s health has reportedly deteriorated during his more than 100 days of detention in The Hague, according to his former wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman.
In a video interview posted on Facebook, Zimmerman described Duterte as “so thin, skin and bones,” a stark contrast to previous images.
While Zimmerman reported that Duterte’s food situation remains unchanged, she noted that he has stopped taking medication. She described his daily routine as largely sedentary, consisting mostly of watching television and sleeping. Zimmerman, currently in The Hague to assist in Duterte’s care, took over from Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, who has since returned to the Philippines.
During her recent visit, Duterte inquired about the situation in Davao City, expressing concern for his son, Sebastian Duterte, the acting mayor, and his grandsons, Davao City acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II and Davao City second district Representative Omar Vincent Duterte.
He also asked about the success of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago political party, led by Vice President Sara Duterte. Zimmerman conveyed his gratitude to his supporters and relayed his advice for her to return home due to the expense of travel. However, she expressed her intention to remain in The Hague for as long as needed.
Zimmerman, in her video statement, also thanked Duterte’s supporters and affirmed her belief in him, recalling her testimony in court describing him as a good leader with flaws.
She briefly alluded to their 25-year marriage and its subsequent annulment, citing health concerns as a contributing factor.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team continues to pursue his interim release from detention and transfer to a third country, a request currently contested by the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor due to concerns about jeopardizing ongoing investigations.
Duterte awaits trial for crimes against humanity related to his administration’s controversial drug war. He was arrested on March 11 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and subsequently transferred to The Hague.
