THE International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III has formally ruled that former President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial, finding he “is able to effectively exercise his fair trial rights in the proceedings.”
The decision, dated September 28 and publicly released on Thursday, October 8, cited conclusive findings from an independent Expert Panel whose medical and psychological assessments confirmed Duterte’s capacity to participate in court.
“We are satisfied that the Expert Panel’s Reports are sufficiently conclusive to make a determination on the Accused’s ability to participate in the trial proceedings and to effectively exercise his procedural and fair trial rights,” the chamber stated.
The ruling paves the way for the long‑awaited opening of the trial on November 30, 2026, where Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity linked to the government’s war on drugs during his administration.
The chamber also issued specific directives designed to accommodate and facilitate his participation, without disclosing full details of these measures. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation intended to balance the accused’s right to due process with the tribunal’s obligation to ensure proceedings move forward expeditiously.
Duterte was arrested in Manila in mid‑2025 and surrendered to ICC custody in The Hague, where he has remained since. His defense team had previously raised concerns about his health and age, suggesting they might affect his ability to engage fully in complex legal proceedings spanning multiple months. The chamber’s decision rejects those arguments, affirming that he is physically and mentally capable of standing trial. The prosecution is expected to begin presenting its case when the proceedings open later this year.
metrosundaily
