Manuel Mogato | October 13, 2026
THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial next month, rejecting his defense lawyers’ motions to set aside the trial.
In the decision, Chamber III also adopted measures to facilitate Duterte’s participation in the trial. The ICC said Duterte will exercise his rights in the legal proceedings.
The judges’ decision is based on the findings of an independent panel of experts as well as on submissions made by the parties and participants on these issues.
The expert panel unanimously found that Duterte has the capacity to understand the charges, the purpose and consequences of the proceedings, follow the course of the proceedings, including the nature and implications of entering a plea, understand the evidence, and instruct counsel in the preparation and conduct of his defense.
The court said the former Filipino leader’s health will be monitored during the trial.
If the court-appointed medical officer identifies any changes in Duterte’s medical condition, it should be transmitted to the court.
Duterte was arrested in March 2025 on charges of crimes against humanity in connection with widespread killings in the Philippines due to the government’s war on drugs policy.
Duterte appeared before the ICC Trial Chamber on 14 March 2025. On 24 April 2026, the ICC Presidency constituted Trial Chamber III to be in charge of the Duterte case.
Trial Chamber III scheduled the opening of the trial for 30 November 2026.