Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
The ICC has also set a confirmation of charges hearing for February 23, where judges will determine if the prosecution's case against Duterte is robust enough to move forward to trial.
Duterte's lawyers previously contended that the 80-year-old was unfit to participate in the ICC proceedings. He has been detained at the Hague since March of last year.
He faces accusations of being criminally responsible for numerous murders under his infamous war on drugs, which led to the deaths of thousands of drug dealers, users, and others without trial.
Duterte served as the President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022 and justified his war on drugs by stating it would bring about peace and promote economic development.
Citing opinions from a panel of medical experts, ICC judges expressed satisfaction that Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings. They clarified that the mental capacities required to meaningfully exercise one's procedural and fair trial rights do not have to be at their highest level.
Congresswoman Leila de Lima, a staunch critic of Duterte who was imprisoned during his presidency on drug charges later proven false, remarked that this ruling signifies that the voices of victims will not be ignored in Duterte's proceedings.
Duterte was arrested at Manila airport in March 2025, coinciding with the decline of his family's political alliance with current President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. His arrest has prompted mixed reactions among Filipinos, as his controversial drug crackdown has faced significant criticism from civil society while still resonating with supporters who feel marginalized by the political elite.
Despite his incarceration, Duterte was elected mayor of Davao City last May, and his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, is expected to run for president in the upcoming 2028 elections, given that Marcos is ineligible to seek reelection.
