Vice President Sara Duterte expressed concern over a skin irritation recently developed by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, while in detention, noting that the family has already raised the matter with his legal counsel.
Speaking to supporters in The Hague, Netherlands, on July 30, the Vice President shared that the former president’s condition has improved following her recent visit, with the reddish, pimple-like sores on his back beginning to dry up thanks to prompt medical attention from detention personnel.
Despite the improvement, she emphasized that any skin injury remains a significant worry due to her father’s diabetes.
“Chineck ko siya kanina, chineck ko ‘yung likod niya, natuyo na ‘yung mga bilog-bilog na pula noong pagdating ko sobrang pula nila at para silang pimple-looking, at natuyo na siya at nagpapasalamat kami kasi inaksyunan kaagad nung detention unit,” she said.
“Is it cause for concern? Yes, nirefer ko siya sa abogado kasi sabi ko hindi ma-explain ni PRRD kung saan nagsimula o paano siya nagkaroon ng ganun basta alam na niya lang na nangati raw siya. It’s a concern kasi diabetic si PRRD so as much as possible ayaw natin na masugatan kahit anong parte ng katawan niya,” the Vice President added.
The Vice President instructed her father’s lawyer to request information from the detention management regarding the cause of the irritation to prevent future flare-ups or infections.
“Kaya sabi ko sa lawyer kung pwede sana mapaalam sa’min sa defense group and sa pamilya kung ano ‘yun para masabihan si PRRD na iwasan ‘yung mga bagay na maka trigger na ganun sa kanyang balat para hindi ma-infect,” she stated.
When asked how the issue affected her father’s daily routine, she noted that he simply experienced itchiness on his back, sharing the advice she gave him:
“Nangati lang siya, gusto niya ipakamot ‘yung ano sa likod niya yung mga pula-pula doon sa likod niya and then sinabihan ko siya na ‘pag di mo maabot lagyan mo lang ng ice pack.”