ICC judges find former Philippine President Duterte fit to stand trial

Judges cite a report by independent medical experts saying the 80-year-old is able ‘effectively to exercise his procedural rights’.Published On 26 Jan 2026Judges on the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity.In a statement on Monday, the court rejected defence arguments that the 80-year-old is in frail health and unfit to take part in the legal proceedings.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4ICC charges ex-Philippine President Duterte with crimes against humanitylist 2 of 4ICC rejects ex-Philippine leader Duterte’s appeal for provisional releaselist 3 of 4Philippine President Marcos rejects sister’s accusation of chronic drug uselist 4 of 4Impeachment probe of Philippine VP Sara Duterte voided by Supreme Courtend of listDuterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity for his alleged involvement in dozens of killings as part of his “war on drugs” while in office, first as the mayor of the southern city of Davao and later as president from 2016 to 2022.“Having regard to the relevant legal principles, the medical assessment of the independent experts … and all of the relevant circumstances of the case, the Chamber was satisfied that Mr Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights,” the court said in a statement, citing an assessment by a panel of medical experts, including in geriatric neurology and psychiatry.The judges noted that for people to be deemed fit to take part in their cases, it is enough that they have a broad understanding of the procedures, not that they operate at their highest level.It is rare for international courts to find suspects, even elderly ones, wholly unfit for trial. The ICC has never found a suspect unfit for trial despite several other defendants’ petitions.Duterte will now face a “confirmation of charges” hearing starting on February 23, in which judges will decide whether the prosecution’s allegations are strong enough to proceed to trial.