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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara raises health concerns over ex-President Duterte's condition in ICC detention

VP Sara raises health concerns over ex-President Duterte's condition in ICC detention

Vice President says former President Rodrigo Duterte developed bed sores while in detention, but the wounds have dried after treatment

Published Jul 31, 2026 01:44 pm

At A Glance

  • Vice President Sara Duterte said former President Rodrigo Duterte developed bed sores while in ICC detention.
  • She said the sores have dried after treatment by the detention facility's health unit, but remain a concern because he has diabetes.
  • Duterte said her father remains in stable condition and hopes detention authorities will promptly inform the family of any health issues.
Vice President Sara Duterte said former President Rodrigo Duterte developed bed sores while in ICC detention but is now in stable condition after receiving treatment, adding that his diabetes makes any skin wounds a continuing health concern. (Screengrab: OVP)
Vice President Sara Duterte said former President Rodrigo Duterte developed bed sores while in ICC detention but is now in stable condition after receiving treatment, adding that his diabetes makes any skin wounds a continuing health concern. (Screengrab: OVP)
Vice President Sara Duterte disclosed that former President Rodrigo Duterte developed bed sores while under detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the condition remains a concern because of his age and diabetes.
In an interview conducted on July 30 and released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Friday, July 31, the Vice President said that after visiting her father in The Hague, she personally checked on his condition and found that the sores had already dried after receiving treatment from the detention facility's health unit.
"He was okay. The sores were already dried because the detention unit had already taken action," she said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Bed sores treated, condition monitored
Despite the improvement, Duterte said the skin condition remains a cause for concern, particularly because the former president has diabetes.
"As much as possible, we do not want him to sustain any wounds because they could become infected," she said.
She added that her father could not explain how the sores developed, recalling that he only complained of itching before lumps appeared on his back.
"He could not explain why it happened. He only said it started with itching," Duterte said.
Family hopes to be informed of health issues
The Vice President said she advised the former president to apply an ice pack to help relieve the irritation.
She also expressed hope that detention authorities would promptly inform the family of any health concerns so they could advise Duterte on how to avoid possible triggers that could worsen his condition.
According to Duterte, timely communication from detention officials would help the family provide guidance on managing his health while in custody.
Former president remains in ICC custody
Despite the health concerns, Duterte described her father's overall condition as stable.
"He is okay," she said, adding that he continues to wear his usual outfit of a T-shirt, sweater, and jogging pants regardless of the season. 

Related Tags

VP Sara Duterte Rodrigo Duterte health Rodrigo Duterte ICC detention International Criminal Court Rodrigo Duterte bed sores
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