Senator Bong Go voiced his alarm over the condition of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. In a video message, the senator admitted, “Ako po ay nababahala sa sitwasyon ni Tatay Digong na mag-isa.”
Go stressed that if Duterte were in the Philippines, he would personally accompany him to hospitals for treatment and medical checkups. His remarks come amid increasing reports about the 79-year-old former leader’s fragile health.
Earlier this month, Duterte’s legal team submitted filings before the ICC citing “significant cognitive deficiencies,” including memory loss, disorientation, and impaired reasoning. They argued that these conditions affect his ability to participate in his defense and requested an adjournment of proceedings. Large portions of the medical details remain redacted.
The ICC has since postponed Duterte’s “confirmation of charges” hearing, originally scheduled for September 23, 2025, until an assessment is completed to determine his fitness to stand trial. Judges clarified that the delay would last only as long as necessary to make that determination.
Vice President Sara Duterte has also raised alarm over what she described as her father’s “troubling conditions” inside detention. She claimed he was once found unconscious on the floor of his room and required laboratory tests afterward. She further alleged that even minor medical concerns, such as an ingrown toenail, were not being immediately addressed.
The defense has reported additional incidents, including falls within his cell. However, the ICC has declined to provide specifics, stating only that it adheres to rules ensuring the “physical and psychological well-being” of detainees. Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has said it has no official confirmation of the claims and has referred questions back to the ICC.
