In a recent development, the International Criminal Court judges have determined that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is capable of standing trial, following a previous delay due to concerns about his health. Duterte is currently facing allegations of crimes against humanity for his alleged role in numerous killings during his tenure, both as a city mayor and later as president, under the guise of a drug war campaign.
Although Duterte’s legal team argued that his health was deteriorating in the court’s detention facility, a panel of medical experts evaluated his condition and concluded that he is fit to participate in the upcoming court proceedings. The trial, initially set for September in The Hague, has been rescheduled for February 23.
Duterte’s lead lawyer expressed disappointment with the ruling and plans to appeal, citing a lack of opportunity to present their own medical evidence and challenge the court-appointed professionals’ assessments. Upon Duterte’s arrest in March, rights groups and families of victims welcomed the move, viewing it as a step towards justice and accountability.
According to ICC prosecutors, Duterte allegedly sanctioned violent acts, including murder, against individuals deemed as criminals, particularly drug dealers and users. The prosecutors began a preliminary investigation in 2018 into Duterte’s actions during his time as mayor of Davao and later as president.
Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, judges dismissed a request to dismiss the case, emphasizing that countries cannot abuse their withdrawal to shield individuals from accountability for alleged crimes already under examination. Various estimates suggest a wide range of casualties during Duterte’s presidency, with reports ranging from over 6,000 to as high as 30,000 deaths.
