CAGAYAN de Oro City — Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Joyleen Mercedes “Girlie” Balaba stood by her account that she personally met and spoke with former President Rodrigo Duterte during her visit to his detention cell at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague last week.
The visit has sparked questions on social media, with critics questioning how Balaba, who is not an immediate family member, was able to gain access to Duterte.
But Balaba said she does not feel obliged to explain the visit to her critics.
“I am not obligated to explain,” Balaba told the Gold Star Daily in a text message on Aug. 13.
Balaba said she personally spoke with Duterte and described herself as one of the former president’s special friends.
During their conversation, Duterte reportedly told her that he had already retired from politics and was at peace with himself after believing he had done his best for the people and the country.
“Retired na ko sa politics. I am at peace with myself na, knowing na I did my best for the people and the country,” Duterte reportedly told Balaba.
Balaba also shared her observations of Duterte, saying he appeared to have aged and lost weight. She said his hair had grown longer and that he was walking more slowly.
Despite his detention in The Hague, Balaba said Duterte remained concerned about people in the Philippines.
Under ICC rules, detainees may receive visits under certain conditions, including from family members, spouses or partners, ministers or spiritual advisers.
Private meetings with defense lawyers and privileged communication with consular or diplomatic representatives are also allowed.
Balaba said she believed she was the first person outside Duterte’s immediate family and legal team to personally visit him at the ICC detention facility.
The visit has since drawn public attention, particularly over how the Cagayan de Oro councilor secured access to the former president.
