Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to attend pre-trial proceedings for alleged crimes against humanity. The ICC will hold a hearing on February 23 to assess whether the prosecution's case against Duterte is strong enough to advance to trial.
Duterte's legal team previously argued that the 80-year-old was unfit to participate in the proceedings, citing concerns of cognitive impairment. He has been detained at The Hague since March 2025, facing accusations of responsibility for numerous murders linked to his controversial war on drugs, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of alleged drug dealers and users without trial.
During his presidency from 2016 to 2022, Duterte asserted that his drug war was essential for restoring peace and order, which he claimed would facilitate economic growth. The ICC judges expressed satisfaction that Duterte can effectively exercise his procedural rights and participate in the preliminary proceedings, emphasizing that the mental capacities required for a fair trial do not need to be at their highest level.
Congresswoman Leila de Lima, a prominent critic of Duterte, welcomed the ruling, asserting that it ensures victims' voices will not be ignored. Duterte's arrest at Manila airport in 2025 reflected the disintegration of his political alliance with his successor. The decision continues to divide public opinion in the Philippines, as while many human rights advocates condemn his violent drug policies, others support his populist message that resonates with those underserved by the political elite.
Despite his incarceration, Duterte was elected mayor of Davao City last May, and his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, is anticipated to run for president in the upcoming 2028 elections as her father navigates his legal challenges.
Duterte's legal team previously argued that the 80-year-old was unfit to participate in the proceedings, citing concerns of cognitive impairment. He has been detained at The Hague since March 2025, facing accusations of responsibility for numerous murders linked to his controversial war on drugs, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of alleged drug dealers and users without trial.
During his presidency from 2016 to 2022, Duterte asserted that his drug war was essential for restoring peace and order, which he claimed would facilitate economic growth. The ICC judges expressed satisfaction that Duterte can effectively exercise his procedural rights and participate in the preliminary proceedings, emphasizing that the mental capacities required for a fair trial do not need to be at their highest level.
Congresswoman Leila de Lima, a prominent critic of Duterte, welcomed the ruling, asserting that it ensures victims' voices will not be ignored. Duterte's arrest at Manila airport in 2025 reflected the disintegration of his political alliance with his successor. The decision continues to divide public opinion in the Philippines, as while many human rights advocates condemn his violent drug policies, others support his populist message that resonates with those underserved by the political elite.
Despite his incarceration, Duterte was elected mayor of Davao City last May, and his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, is anticipated to run for president in the upcoming 2028 elections as her father navigates his legal challenges.
