The ICC has determined former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte is medically fit to take part in pre-trial proceedings and has scheduled a hearing for Feb. 23. A panel of three medical experts reported on Dec. 5 that he was fit to participate. The hearing will decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence to move the case to trial. Duterte, 80, faces crimes-against-humanity allegations over alleged extra-judicial killings and remains detained in the Netherlands after his March 2025 arrest.
ICC Rules Rodrigo Duterte Medically Fit For Pre-Trial; Hearing Set For Feb. 23
Relatives of victims of alleged extra-judicial killings during the war on drugs campaign of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte hold signs after watching a broadcast of an International Criminal Court Appeals Chamber hearing, in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, in November. The ICC ruled Monday that Duterte is fit for pre-trial hearings. File Photo by Rolex Dela Pena/EPA
The International Criminal Court announced on Monday that former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been found medically fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings and that a pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Feb. 23.
Duterte's defense had requested an indefinite adjournment on medical grounds, arguing that the 80-year-old former leader could not adequately take part in his defense. The court appointed a panel of three independent medical experts to examine him; the panel submitted its observations in a report dated Dec. 5, and judges said they were satisfied that Duterte is fit to engage in pre-trial proceedings.
What the Feb. 23 Hearing Will Decide
The upcoming hearing will determine whether prosecutors have produced sufficient evidence to formally charge Duterte. If judges conclude there is a reasonable basis to proceed, the case will move from the pre-trial stage into a full trial phase.
Charges and Detention
Duterte, now 80, faces allegations of crimes against humanity related to alleged extra-judicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users during his tenure as president. He was arrested in Manila in March 2025 on an ICC warrant after the court opened a formal investigation in September 2021. In October the court denied a request for his release—citing concerns he would be a flight risk—and ordered that he remain detained in the Netherlands.
Official estimates differ on the scale of killings tied to Duterte's anti-drug campaign: Philippine national police figures put the number at about 6,000, while human rights groups estimate roughly 30,000.
Next steps: The Feb. 23 pre-trial hearing will be the critical moment to assess whether charges proceed to trial.
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