World

ICC Declares Former Philippine President Duterte Mentally Fit for Trial

By AFP , AP and Reuters

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague have ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is mentally fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity linked to his “war on drugs.” The 81‑year‑old former president, who served from 2016 to 2022, is accused of murder and attempted murder for his alleged role in dozens of killings. He denies the charges and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.

The court said that independent medical experts examined Duterte’s health and concluded he can understand evidence and discuss his defence with his lawyers. “The chamber was satisfied that the accused is able to effectively exercise his fair trial rights in the proceedings,” the court stated.

Duterte’s legal team had previously sought to dismiss the case on medical grounds, arguing that serious memory loss prevented him from absorbing new information or reliably recalling the past. The trial is scheduled to open on November 30.

Duterte was arrested in the Philippines in March 2025 and transferred to the ICC’s headquarters after a lengthy investigation. He appeared in person at the ICC last month and denied the charges, saying he only ordered police to act in self‑defence as part of his anti‑drugs campaign. Judges also denied a request for his release from custody.

Prosecutors claim that police and government hit squads carried out dozens of killings at Duterte’s orders, motivated by money or to avoid becoming targets. Estimates of the death toll during his presidency range from more than 6,000 reported by the national police to up to 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.

Duterte’s high public approval during his presidency enabled him to push his anti‑drugs agenda. He is the first Asian former leader to be arrested by the ICC, which prosecutes individuals for the world’s most serious crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.