MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robinhood Padilla said he was moved to tears when he saw President Rodrigo Duterte appear at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on Wednesday.
During an ambush interview at the Senate on September 17, Padilla said he was surprised upon seeing Duterte again after more than a year.
“I was surprised—and tears of joy unexpectedly fell—when I saw him,” he said.
Padilla said his happiness was tempered by concern over the former president’s age and ability to endure imprisonment.
“However, I was also overcome with sadness, knowing that while Tatay Digong possesses great inner strength, courage, and compassion, his 81-year-old body can no longer withstand imprisonment,” he said.
Duterte appeared before the ICC Trial Chamber III in The Hague on Wednesday, Sept. 16, marking his first in-person attendance at an ICC hearing since his arrest in March 2025.
Duterte remained silent during the hearing.
His defense team has raised concerns over his ability to participate meaningfully in the proceedings, citing alleged cognitive decline and memory impairment. The ICC Trial Chamber has ordered a medical examination to assess his fitness to stand trial.
