Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have determined that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is able to engage in pre-trial proceedings related to accusations of crimes against humanity stemming from his widely publicized war on drugs.
The court has also set a date for February 23rd to hold a hearing that will evaluate whether the prosecution possesses sufficient evidence to move forward with a full trial.
Duterte's legal representatives had put forth an argument that the 80-year-old former leader was not medically fit to join the proceedings, citing concerns about his cognitive state. Nevertheless, ICC judges indicated they were satisfied, based on evaluations from a panel of medical professionals, that Duterte is sufficiently capable of asserting his procedural rights. He has been held in detention in The Hague since March 2025.
In their official ruling released on Monday, the judges stated that the mental capacity necessary to effectively exercise fair trial rights does not require reaching the "highest possible level."
Duterte faces accusations of responsibility for numerous deaths during his contentious anti-drug campaign, which saw the deaths of thousands of individuals suspected of being drug dealers or users, as well as others, without due process while he served as president from 2016 to 2022. He had previously defended the campaign as essential for restoring public order and fostering economic progress.
"This decision signifies to the victims that their voices will not be disregarded through procedural maneuvers as Duterte faces accountability at the ICC," commented Congresswoman Leila de Lima, a notable critic of Duterte who had previously been incarcerated on drug-related charges that were later deemed unfounded.
Duterte was apprehended at Manila airport in March 2025 following a breakdown in political relations between his family and his successor, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. His detention has created significant division in public sentiment within the Philippines, where his populist approach continues to draw support despite considerable criticism from human rights advocacy groups.
In May of the preceding year, Duterte was elected mayor of Davao City, even while being imprisoned. His daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, is widely anticipated to contend for the presidency in the 2028 elections, a possibility that is constitutionally barred for Marcos, who will have completed his term.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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