THE HAGUE, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced Monday that the confirmation of charges hearing for former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will be held on Feb. 23, as the court found that Duterte can take part in the pre-trial proceedings.
According to an ICC statement, Duterte's defense team had requested an indefinite adjournment of the proceedings, including the confirmation of charges hearing, arguing that he was not fit to participate. In response, ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I appointed a panel of three independent medical experts to conduct an examination. The Chamber received the panel's reports on Dec. 5, 2025.
The Chamber concluded that, after relevant assessments, Duterte "is able to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings."
Duterte, 80 years old, served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He was detained and transferred to the ICC in March last year following an arrest warrant over his controversial "war on drugs" campaign, a move he has challenged.
Duterte's initial appearance before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I took place on March 14, 2025. The ICC on Nov. 28, 2025, rejected an appeal seeking Duterte's release on the grounds of age and declining health. ■
