THE HAGUE, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is "fit to stand trial," the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced Thursday.
Trial Chamber III of the ICC said the decision was based on the findings of an independent Panel of Experts, as well as submissions made by the parties and participants.
"The opening of the trial in the Duterte case is scheduled for 30 November 2026," the ICC said in a press release.
Duterte's counsel raised concerns about his fitness to stand trial on May 25, 2026, and requested that he undergo a medical examination to assess his fitness.
"The Expert Panel unanimously found that the Accused has the capacity to understand the charges, understand 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 defence," the ICC said.
The 81-year-old Duterte appeared in the courtroom of ICC for the first time on Sept. 16, 2026. His initial appearance before the ICC took place via video link on March 14, 2025.
On April 23, the ICC confirmed all three counts of "crimes against humanity" against Duterte and committed him to trial.
Duterte served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He was arrested and transferred to ICC custody in March 2025 under a warrant related to his anti-drug campaign, a move he has challenged. ■
