Ex-Philippine leader Duterte ruled fit to face trial

International Criminal Court judges ruled that octogenarian former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to attend pre-trial hearings and will present confirmation of charges at a hearing on February 23.

Duterte’s defense had said that the elderly politician, who was held in The Hague for murders committed during his war on drugs, could not stand trial due to cognitive decline.

A report by independent medical experts found Duterte could understand and participate in his case, the justices said Monday.

They reminded that in order for a person to be deemed fit to take part in his or her case, it is sufficient for a person to have a broad understanding of the procedures, not necessarily to operate at the highest level.

“The Chamber is satisfied as a matter of law that Mr. Duterte was able to effectively exercise his procedural rights and is therefore eligible to take part in the pre-trial proceedings,” the justices said.

They also set a new date to confirm the hearing of the charges, which is an important step towards a trial.