The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I has ruled that former President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings in his crimes against humanity case, scheduling the confirmation of charges hearing for February 23, 2026.
In a 25-page ruling dated January 26, the chamber rejected the defense’s request for an indefinite adjournment over Duterte’s alleged cognitive impairment. A panel of three independent medical experts had previously examined Duterte, with their reports submitted on December 5, 2025, and considered by the prosecution, defense, and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims.
“The Chamber is satisfied that Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings,” the ICC said, adding that the proceedings are now resumed.
The court noted that an order setting the schedule and directions for the confirmation of charges hearing, including measures recommended by the medical experts to facilitate Duterte’s participation, will be issued in due course. ICC Outreach Officer Caroline Maurel said the judges have yet to decide whether Duterte will appear physically or virtually.
The confirmation of charges hearing aims to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Duterte committed the alleged crimes. If the charges are confirmed, the case will proceed to a trial chamber for the next phase of proceedings.
Duterte, currently in ICC custody in The Hague, faces allegations related to his administration’s anti-drug campaign, Oplan Tokhang, which human rights groups say left at least 20,000 people dead, though official figures report over 6,000 fatalities.
