Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has shared what he described as the frail condition of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who remains detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) facility in The Hague, Netherlands.
In a video interview with ABS-CBN News, Dela Rosa was asked by a reporter about the former president’s current state.
“Skin and bones na lang daw,” the senator replied.
He added that Duterte is reportedly struggling with his health and physical strength.
“Medyo talagang… hirap na nga raw tumayo. That’s his sitwasyon niya ngayon. Kaya sana mapagbigyan ‘yong kaniyang interim release, hindi naman siya flight risk, hindi naman siya threat to national security or whatever, hindi naman, matanda na ‘yon eh, mapagbiyan na sana,” Dela Rosa said.
The senator was referring to the ICC’s recent rejection of Duterte’s request for interim release, which his legal team had sought on humanitarian grounds.
In a document released by the ICC on Friday, October 10, 2025, the court questioned the validity of the humanitarian claims made by Duterte’s defense team regarding his medical condition while under detention.
The ICC stated that the former president has been receiving proper medical treatment in their custody—contrary to his camp’s assertion that he was being denied adequate care.
The court also reiterated that Duterte’s rights remain protected, including his right to family visits.