Former president Rodrigo Duterte is “skin and bones,” according to his ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman, who recently visited him at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague, Netherlands.
In an interview with Duterte’s supporters, Zimmerman shared that while the former president appears to be in stable condition, he has visibly lost a significant amount of weight.
“I'm happy that I have seen him. And he's okay, but he's so thin. Skin and bones. Tulad sa picture na ito,” Zimmerman said, referencing a recent photo.
Despite his frail appearance, Zimmerman noted that Duterte is no longer taking any medication, which she sees as a positive sign of his condition.
“Parang tingin ko, he's healthy, but as an old man,” she said.
“Mahina na maglakad,” she added.
Zimmerman also mentioned that Duterte is still adjusting to the climate in the Netherlands, which he finds unusually warm.
According to the ex-wife, Duterte spends his days watching television, occasionally reading, and resting.
“Gusto lang niya magsleep. Gusto lang niya manood ng TV. After ng TV, sleep din daw siya,” she said.
During their visit, Zimmerman further shared that Duterte asked about the situation in Davao City and inquired about acting Mayor Baste Duterte, as well as his grandchildren involved in politics.
“He was asking about how is Davao. Kung okay ba raw si Baste? Because he's the acting mayor. Sabi ko, okay naman. There's no problem. Your grandson is also the vice mayor,” Zimmerman said.
“The other one is the congressman of the second district,” she added.
When asked whether Duterte had a message for the Filipino people, Zimmerman shared his brief but heartfelt words.
“You go home. Thank you for your support. I am okay,” Duterte reportedly told her, emphasizing that he did not want to be a burden to others.
Despite Duterte’s request to his Filipino supporters abroad to go home, Zimmerman acknowledged the deep loyalty many Filipinos continue to show him.
“He’s happy, but he doesn’t want you to bother…I have very much confidence that you believe in him. I believe in him also,” she said.
Reflecting on her past with Duterte, she acknowledged Duterte’s leadership qualities, even as she alluded to personal challenges that led to their separation after 25 years of marriage.
“Actually, I told even when we are in court. I said, he's a good leader. That was a long, long time ago. I said, he is a good leader. But there is something wrong. May flaws siya,” she said.
Ending the conversation, Zimmerman extended her gratitude to Filipinos worldwide who continue to express their support and admiration for Duterte and his family.
“Thank you. It’s your honor, not a burden. He made sacrifices, and now you’re doing your part as Filipinos,” she told the supporters. “I believe in him. Thank you for loving him, and thank you for loving the whole Duterte family.”
Supporters abroad are reportedly planning more solidarity events scheduled for July 5 and 19 by Filipinos abroad, despite Duterte reportedly requesting supporters to stop holding rallies on his behalf.
Duterte is currently in The Hague following the ICC’s ongoing investigations into his controversial war on drugs campaign during his presidency.
While he has remained largely out of the public eye, his supporters continue to rally in his defense, hoping for his return to the Philippines.
