Former President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte is fit to stand trial regarding the crimes against humanity charges he faces, according to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Stated in the 17-page decision released by the ICC Trial Chamber III on October 8, Duterte has sufficient capacity to participate in the proceedings and exercise his rights under a fair trial.
“The Chamber is satisfied that the accused is able to effectively exercise his fair trial rights in the proceedings and is therefore fit to stand trial,” the decision read.
The ruling is based on reports from an independent panel of medical experts tasked with evaluating Duterte’s health, as well as submissions from the parties and participants in the case.
The expert panel found no new evidence indicating that Duterte’s mental state or cognitive abilities are deteriorating.
The panel also reported that Duterte’s general physical health is better due to the medical and nursing care he receives while in prison.
The judges dismissed the defense’s request for an additional medical examination, stating that the expert panel’s reports were sufficient to gauge Duterte’s ability to participate in the hearings.
Duterte’s trial is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026.# (ZIA LUNA)
