Former President Duterte Fit to Face ICC Proceedings; Confirmation of Charges Set in February

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is in proper condition to face judicial proceedings related to allegations of crimes against humanity.

According to the ICC, Duterte is physically and mentally fit to participate in the legal process as the court prepares for the next major phase of the case. The confirmation of charges hearing where judges will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial is scheduled for February.

The case stems from allegations linked to Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency, which rights groups say resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. Prosecutors at the ICC have argued that the actions may constitute crimes against humanity, a claim consistently denied by Duterte and his allies.

The confirmation of charges hearing is a critical stage in ICC proceedings. If judges confirm the charges, the case will move forward to a full trial. If not, prosecutors may be asked to revise their submissions or the case could be dismissed.

Duterte has repeatedly questioned the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines, which withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the ICC has maintained that it retains authority over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member of the court.

The February hearing is expected to draw international attention, as it could mark a historic moment involving the first former Philippine president to face potential trial before an international tribunal.