Senator Robin Padilla voiced deep concern on Tuesday over the condition of former president Rodrigo Duterte, revealing in a Senate plenary session that the 80-year-old is already exhibiting cognitive decline.
“Meron na pong matinding sakit si Tatay Digong. Sa kasalukuyan po ay siya po ay meron ng tinatawag nating early signs of dementia,” Padilla declared, describing the situation as alarming for the family and supporters of the detained former leader.
The lawmaker’s statement comes as Duterte faces proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC), where his defense lawyers have already told judges that he suffers from “significant cognitive deficiencies” affecting memory, reasoning, and orientation. The ICC recently granted a postponement of hearings to allow further medical assessments.
Earlier this year, the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands said Duterte was “generally fine” following a medical check-up. But allies like Senator Christopher “Bong” Go had also admitted publicly that the former president “has many illnesses,” though without offering specifics.
Padilla also raised suspicions over reports that former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV recently traveled to The Hague, where Duterte is being held. “Kami po kasi ay nangangamba, kasi meron pong mga usap-usapan na ‘yung dati pong senador na si Antonio Trillanes ay nagpunta daw po sa The Hague,” he said.
The senator’s remarks add to ongoing debates in the Philippines about Duterte’s health, which has become a sensitive issue amid his detention abroad and the divisive politics surrounding the ICC case.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte has dismissed online claims showing her father bedridden, criticizing what she called a “sham welfare check” conducted by Philippine officials in The Hague.
