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Advocates Philippines
ICC Rules Duterte Fit For Pre-Trial; Confirmation Hearing Set For Feb. 23
Photo credit: ICC
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings, and has scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for February 23, 2026.
This decision comes after Duterte’s defense requested an indefinite adjournment, claiming he was not fit to participate in the process due to health reasons.
Medical Experts Say Duterte Can Participate
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I appointed a panel of three independent medical experts to examine Duterte. The panel submitted its reports in December 2025, and both the prosecution and defense submitted their observations.
After reviewing the medical assessments and other relevant circumstances, the Chamber concluded that Duterte is able to effectively exercise his procedural rights, and therefore fit to participate in the pre-trial proceedings.
The Chamber rejected the defense’s request for an indefinite adjournment and set February 23, 2026 as the start of the confirmation of charges hearing.
What Happens Next
An order detailing the hearing schedule and directions will be issued by the ICC soon. The order will also include instructions based on the medical report to ensure Duterte’s participation.
The purpose of the confirmation hearing is to determine whether there is enough evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe Duterte committed each of the crimes charged. If one or more charges are confirmed, the case will move to a Trial Chamber.
What the Charges Are About
Duterte is suspected of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019, in connection with his controversial “war on drugs” campaign.
An arrest warrant for Duterte was issued by the ICC in March 2025. He was arrested and surrendered to the ICC in March 2025, and made his initial appearance shortly after.
This decision comes after Duterte’s defense requested an indefinite adjournment, claiming he was not fit to participate in the process due to health reasons.
Medical Experts Say Duterte Can Participate
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I appointed a panel of three independent medical experts to examine Duterte. The panel submitted its reports in December 2025, and both the prosecution and defense submitted their observations.
After reviewing the medical assessments and other relevant circumstances, the Chamber concluded that Duterte is able to effectively exercise his procedural rights, and therefore fit to participate in the pre-trial proceedings.
The Chamber rejected the defense’s request for an indefinite adjournment and set February 23, 2026 as the start of the confirmation of charges hearing.
What Happens Next
An order detailing the hearing schedule and directions will be issued by the ICC soon. The order will also include instructions based on the medical report to ensure Duterte’s participation.
The purpose of the confirmation hearing is to determine whether there is enough evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe Duterte committed each of the crimes charged. If one or more charges are confirmed, the case will move to a Trial Chamber.
What the Charges Are About
Duterte is suspected of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019, in connection with his controversial “war on drugs” campaign.
An arrest warrant for Duterte was issued by the ICC in March 2025. He was arrested and surrendered to the ICC in March 2025, and made his initial appearance shortly after.
Jan 26, 2026
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