Rodrigo Duterte ruled fit to stand trial by ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III has ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial. The decision, made public on October 8, 2026, follows a review of expert medical reports regarding Duterte’s health and his ability to participate in legal proceedings.

The Chamber stated, “The Chamber is satisfied that the accused is able to effectively exercise his fair trial rights in the proceedings and is therefore fit to stand trial.” This ruling rejects several requests from Duterte’s defense team, including demands for additional medical examinations, permission to question the expert panel, and an oral hearing.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity related to his administration’s war on drugs and the alleged activities of the Davao Death Squad. Human rights groups estimate that nearly 30,000 people were killed during that period. His trial is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026, following the ICC’s previous confirmation of charges and the rejection of his jurisdictional appeals.