FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte has grown noticeably thin and frail after more than 100 days in detention at The Hague, according to his ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman.
In a video posted on Facebook, Zimmerman said Duterte now appears “skin and bones,” unlike past images of him.
Zimmerman, who traveled to The Hague to visit Duterte, said the former president spends most of his time sleeping and watching television.
“He just wants to sleep, watch TV. After that, he sleeps again,” she said, describing his daily routine.
The former president also asked about Davao City’s condition and his family members holding public office.
Zimmerman reassured him that his son, Sebastian, is serving as acting mayor, and his grandsons, Rigo and Omar Duterte, are vice mayor and congressman, respectively.
Duterte also inquired about his political party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, and expressed gratitude to his supporters, telling Zimmerman to thank them and urging her to return home due to high travel costs.
Zimmerman said she believes in Duterte’s leadership but admitted he has “a flaw,” recalling their 25-year marriage before it ended in annulment.
Duterte faces trial for crimes against humanity over his drug war and remains in ICC custody pending court rulings on his legal team’s request for interim release.
