2 months ago
42
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
January 26, 2026 | 7:03pm
This photograph taken on March 14, 2025 shows a flag fluttering outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
AFP / Nicolas Tucat
MANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s confirmation of charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC) is scheduled for February 23, the tribunal announced Monday.
In a statement on January 26, Pre-Trial Chamber I judges declared Duterte fit to stand trial, meaning he will participate in pre-trial proceedings, including the confirmation of charges.
The judges based their decision on the medical assessment of a three-member expert panel, which found the 80-year-old Duterte capable of personally taking part in his trial — a conclusion the independent experts reached unanimously.
"Having regard to the relevant legal principles, the medical assessment of the independent experts composing the Panel, and all of the relevant circumstances of the case, the Chamber was satisfied that Mr Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings, which are thereby resumed," the statement read.
Motions to delay proceedings. In 2025, Duterte's lawyers asked for an indefinite adjournment, asserting the former president was unfit to stand trial due to memory, reasoning issues and poor health. Their request for interim release was also denied by the Pre-Trial Chamber I, which the Appeals Chamber later upheld.
Since Duterte will be attending the pre-trial proceedings, the medical panel recommended the use of hearing assistance devices, regular breaks during court sessions, and limiting sessions to 1.5 hours each. Hearings should also be capped at four days per week, with no more than two consecutive days in court.
"An order setting the schedule and directions for the hearing on the confirmation of charges will be issued in due course, including instructions regarding measures that the medical reports have recommended to facilitate Mr Duterte’s participation," the ICC said.
Why the confirmation hearing matters
The confirmation of charges hearing will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to establish substantial grounds to believe Duterte committed the crimes charged. During the hearing, the prosecution will present its evidence, and the defense may raise objections or present counter-evidence.
Duterte will be put on trial only if one or more charges are confirmed, with the case then referred to a Trial Chamber for the actual trial.
The ICC Prosecution charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity for murder, covering incidents from 2013 to 2018, which include the bloody war on drugs during his presidency as well as his anti-crime campaigns as Davao City mayor.
Prosecutors cited at least 76 killings, ranging from Davao Death Squad cases to high-value drug targets and barangay clearance operations.
Since his arrest in March 2025, the former president has been detained in The Hague, Netherlands, for over 10 months. — with reports from Ian Laqui and Cristina Chi
