Former President Rodrigo Duterte seems to be in good shape, despite losing a significant amount of weight, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
Earlier this week, Duterte’s ex-wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman, said in an interview that the former President has lost a significant amount of weight. In a press conference on Tuesday, July 8, Castro stated that she had seen the interview, highlighting that Zimmerman said that the former President looked healthy and was okay.
During the interview, Zimmerman was asked about Duterte’s condition. To which she responded, “I'm happy that I have seen him. And he's okay, but he's so thin. Skin and bones. Tulad sa picture na ito.”
Despite this, she assured supporters that Duterte seems to be in stable condition, adding that he is no longer taking any medication.
During the press conference, Castro echoed Zimmerman’s words, emphasizing that Duterte looks healthy despite the weight loss and is okay.
“Ang sabi pa nga daw ng dating Pangulo ay, ‘you go home. I’m fine. I’m okay,’ at hindi na daw siya nag te-take ng medicine..parang maintenance. So, it’s good for him, according to Ma’am Elizabeth Zimmerman,” Castro said.
“‘Yun din naman ang ibinalita ni VP Sara, ng Bise Presidente, kanina yatang umaga. Saka mas maganda po talaga na natitingnan naman po ang kanyang kalusugan doon mismo sa the Hague. Hindi naman po pababayaan ang dating Pangulo doon,” she added.
Given the situation, Castro was asked whether she sees this as a cause of concern. The Palace Press Officer responded, “Sa ngayon po dahil mismo ang pamilya niya nagsabi na okay po ang Pangulo, ang kailangan na lang po siguro niya ay exercise.”
