Former President Duterte's fitness 'no reason for delay' as trial starts November 30

MANILA – An independent civilian group said the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to declare former President Rodrigo Duterte fit for trial removes the “last obstacle” for his November 30 hearing, as his fitness issue is no longer a reason for a delay in the proceedings.

“The ruling means Duterte will answer the charges against him, and the families of those killed during his antidrug campaign will finally see the evidence laid out in open court,” Truth Commission spokesperson and commissioner Carlos Conde said in a statement on Friday.

“An independent panel of experts agreed unanimously that he understands the case and can help his lawyers defend him, so his health can no longer be used as a reason for delay,” he added.

The ICC Trial Chamber III issued the decision on Sept. 28, citing a panel of medical experts, who said they found no evidence of worsening of mental state or cognitive abilities in Duterte.

The panel added that Duterte’ general physical health “appears to have been optimized” and observes that there is an “apparent improvement” in his health since their previous report.

Conde said the trial serves as a chance to fully establish what happened during the anti-illegal drugs operations in the Philippines, noting that its “record will matter long after a verdict is reached.” (PNA)