Duterte’s lawyers assert he lacks competence for trial
Duterte’s lawyers have asked ICC judges to reject a court-appointed medical panel’s finding that the former Philippine president is fit for pre-trial proceedings, arguing that his short-term memory impairment prevents him from meaningfully instructing counsel and following complex hearings. The defense filing cites alleged contradictions in the experts’ reports, questions their evidentiary standards, and claims the panel failed to fully consider detention staff observations and Duterte’s co-morbid conditions. The defense requested an evidentiary hearing to question the experts before the ICC rules on Duterte’s fitness.