In a recent development, judges at the International Criminal Court have determined that former Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte is capable of standing trial. The initial court appearance had been delayed due to concerns about Duterte’s health. The charges against Duterte involve alleged crimes against humanity related to numerous killings linked to his anti-drug campaign during his time as a city mayor and later as president.
Following assertions from Duterte’s legal team about his deteriorating health in the court’s custody, a pretrial panel of judges had postponed the hearing earlier scheduled for September in The Hague. The delay was to assess Duterte’s ability to actively engage in the legal proceedings. Subsequently, a group of medical experts evaluated Duterte and concluded that he is competent to participate in the pre-trial process. The rescheduled court session is now set for February 23.
The assessment panel included specialists in geriatric neurology and psychiatry. Duterte underwent various tests, including cognitive assessments and physical examinations. Despite the ruling, Duterte’s lead attorney expressed disappointment and indicated plans to appeal. The defense team was dissatisfied with not being able to present their medical evidence or question the judges’ selected professionals’ findings.
Rights advocates and families of victims welcomed Duterte’s arrest earlier this year. Organizations supporting the families affected by Duterte’s anti-drug campaign hailed the court’s decision as a significant step towards justice and accountability. They emphasized that even former heads of state are subject to the law, echoing the sentiment of the International Criminal Court’s ruling.
According to ICC prosecutors, Duterte allegedly sanctioned violent actions, including murder, against individuals deemed as criminals, particularly drug dealers and users. The preliminary investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug operations, which commenced in 2018, scrutinizes his actions during his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as president.
In a controversial move, Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court in an attempt to evade accountability, drawing criticism from human rights advocates. The court dismissed Duterte’s legal team’s request to dismiss the case based on jurisdictional grounds due to the country’s withdrawal. The court emphasized that nations cannot misuse their right to withdraw from international agreements to shield individuals from justice for alleged crimes already under investigation.
Estimates of the death toll during Duterte’s presidency vary widely, with figures ranging from over 6,000 reported by national authorities to as high as 30,000 cited by human rights organizations.