By Ma. Teresa Montemayor | Philippine News Agency
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has postponed the start of the confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte that was originally scheduled later this month.
This was after the defense panel requested an adjournment on the grounds that 80-year-old Duterte is not fit to stand trial.
In a decision issued on Monday, Pre-Trial Chamber I, with Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera dissenting, ruled to delay the proceedings, which were supposed to begin on Sept. 23.
The majority of the chamber agreed that a limited postponement was necessary to allow time to adjudicate the defense team’s request and other related matters.
A new hearing date will be determined after these issues are addressed.
Flores Liera issued a dissenting opinion, stating that the defense’s request should have been denied and the confirmation hearing should have proceeded as scheduled.
The confirmation of charges hearing, a key step in ICC proceedings, intends to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds that the accused committed the alleged crimes.
If the charges are confirmed, the case will move to a Trial Chamber for the next phase of proceedings.
The ICC issued a warrant of arrest against Duterte on March 7, 2025, for crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape, allegedly committed in the Philippines between Nov. 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019.
Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities and surrendered to the ICC on March 12, 2025.
He made his initial appearance before the ICC via video link on March 14, 2025, as authorized by the court.
