The Hague, Netherlands – Elizabeth Zimmerman, the former wife of ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, is set to travel to The Hague, Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed on Thursday.
“I think she decided last night to come here. Whether or not she will be allowed to enter [the penitentiary], she said she will come,” VP Duterte told reporters outside the Hague Penitentiary Institution.
Although Zimmerman was previously married to Duterte, their annulment means she is no longer considered next of kin. Instead, visitation rights belong to their children—Sara, Paolo (Davao City’s 1st District Representative), and Sebastian (Davao City Mayor)—as well as Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica “Kitty” Duterte, from his relationship with Honeylet Avanceña.
Uncertainty Over Family Visits
It remains unclear whether other Duterte family members, aside from Sara and Zimmerman, will visit the former president. The vice president also expressed doubts about whether her siblings could secure visas in time for the planned pro-Duterte gathering on March 23, just ahead of his 80th birthday on March 28.
Duterte’s First Week in ICC Detention
Marking a week since Duterte was taken into custody by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, VP Sara provided updates on his condition. She confirmed that Duterte has moved out of the hospital facility within the detention center and continues to receive medical care, including monitoring for his blood sugar levels.
She also shared that her father had requested personal items, such as dental floss, which must be purchased within the facility.
When asked about his daily routine, Sara said Duterte watches TV, though content is filtered, preventing him from watching the news. She also offered to bring him books, knowing his love for reading, but he declined due to poor eyesight.
Robin Padilla and Salvador Medialdea’s Situation
Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla provided updates on former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who is reportedly in stable condition at a hospital. Despite his hospitalization, Medialdea remains concerned about Duterte’s welfare and has been insistent on returning to the penitentiary.
Padilla also revealed he is awaiting approval to visit Duterte in his capacity as president of PDP-Laban, their political party, as they are in the middle of election season.
GMA Integrated News has reached out to the ICC for clarification on visitation rules for political allies and detainees’ schedules. However, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah declined to disclose details, stating, “Regarding visits, we don’t communicate the detainees’ visits and meetings.”