Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday night offered a glimpse into the condition of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for charges related to crimes against humanity.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Sara said the former president was in good spirits when she visited him.

“He was in a good mood,” she said. “He just asked why his grandchild didn’t come to visit — because supposedly the child was supposed to be there today. I explained to him that they’re not used to the cold and then warm weather here. They’re used to the Philippine climate, so the kids caught coughs and colds. That became our topic for today.”

She admitted their chat strayed into more personal and humorous territory:
“That’s basically it — then he brought up his girlfriends,” she added, laughing. “Some of the things he said were a bit naughty — not really for public consumption.”

Sara said her father also seemed preoccupied with his appearance, particularly his hair and facial grooming.

“His beard and mustache were messy,” she shared. “I told him to shave. He can’t decide whether to go all white [for his hair]. He said sometimes, in the morning, he looks at himself in the mirror and thinks he wants to go all white. Then there are days when he wants to put in some color.”

She added that on Tuesday, Duterte had requested a haircut.
“The last time, I was the one who cut his hair,” she said. “Now we’ve also requested a manicure and pedicure for him.”

Rodrigo Duterte remains in ICC detention pending further hearings.