Geline Salac

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee secretary administers the oath of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte Monday, October 28, 2024 before he begins his testimony before the subcommittee investigating motu proprio the alleged extra-judicial killings during his administration. In his opening statement, Duterte defended his war against illegal drugs, which he said was not about killing people but about protecting the innocent. “My mandate as President of the Republic was to protect the country and the Filipino people. Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies nor excuses. I did what I had to do,” the former chief executive said. “My job as President was never easy... I have tried to do the best I can to address the problem of illegal drugs firmly and without compromises. For all of its successes and shortcomings, I, and I alone take full legal responsibility,” he added. Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

Article (news)

SENATE PROBE- EJK

Christopher Sitson

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176005128810320241028-senate-probe-duterte-SPRIB-6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Ex-president Rodrigo Duterte testifies in the Senate subcommittee investigating alleged extra-judicial killings during his administration. <em>Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau</em></span></span></span></div><p>The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecution has released a report supporting the formation of a multidisciplinary panel of medical experts to assess former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s fitness to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity.</p><p>In a 9-page filing before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I dated October 9,  Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said the Prosecutor suggests that the panel should consist of at least three experts in the fields of forensic psychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioral neurology all drawn from a shortlist submitted by the Registry. </p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LU-VDuLGLrA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>Additional or alternative experts may also be considered if needed.</p><p>&quot;The Prosecution notes that these experts were each identified as suitable experts by the Registry independent of any recommendation by the Prosecution or the Defence and have confirmed their interest and availability to the Registry,&quot; the filing read.</p><p>In a redacted version it said the forensic psychiatrist who will form the panel of experts is highly experienced forensic psychiatrist, with demonstrated experience in providing expert testimony and reports to judicial bodies, including in criminal cases at international level.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shorts?/sUOYAFoonrM&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>&quot;He confirmed his availability during most of September and October, is able to travel to The Hague on short notice, and has indicated that he would be in a position to produce a report within days,&quot; it said.</p><p>Another expert on the same field whose skills also include medico-legal reporting and expert evidence will serve as an alternative, according to the Prosecution.</p><p>The behavioral neurologist  proposed by the Registry has specialization in neuropsychology  and an  experienced cognitive neuroscientist whose expertise would complement the panel for a more holistic assessment of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte  has also confirmed her availability for September and October.</p><p>Another behavioral neurologist contacted by the Registry also confirmed his availability and interest and the Registry would “expedite the process for him to be  included on the List of Experts.&quot;</p><p>The Prosecution however objected to the appointment of a potential expert from the defense.</p><p>It said it opposes the appointment of a neuropsychologist, though highly qualified in the field, due to a possible bias.</p><p>Meanwhile the appointed experts have been instructed to “determine and assess the following:</p><p>-whether and, if so, at what level former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte suffers from any medical condition which might have an effect on his ability to follow and take part in the ongoing pre-trial proceedings, including the confirmation of charges hearing and whether any special measures or adjustments are recommended to address any medical conditions of FPRRD  and also in light of any prognosis, during the pre-trial proceedings,</p><p>In particular, the appointed experts will also  assess whether FPRRD is able to meaningfully exercise his procedural rights, including the capacity to  understand the purpose, including the consequences of the proceedings, understand the course of the proceedings, including the nature and significance of pleading to the charges and understand the evidence,  testify or give an unsworn statement (should the accused so choose); and instruct counsel in the preparation and conduct of his defence. </p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iCHfQTxA6J4?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><strong>OPCV Files Observations on Expert Shortlist</strong></div><p>The Principal Counsel of the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV), appointed to represent the collective interests of potential victims, has ALSO filed observations on the Registry’s submission of a shortlist of medical experts to assess Duterte’s fitness to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity.</p><p>In a six-page filing before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I dated October 8, 2025, Paolina Massidda, Principal Counsel, stated:</p><p>“Having reviewed the communications and medical material filed by the Defence, the Legal Representative concurs with the Prosecution that a panel of experts with expertise in forensic psychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioural neurology should be appointed to determine whether Mr. Duterte suffers from any medical condition(s) that might impact his ability to take part in the pre-trial proceedings, including the confirmation of charges hearing; and, if so, whether any special measures or adjustments are recommended to address such condition(s).”</p><p>Regarding the appointment of an expert in gerontology as suggested by the Registry, the Legal Representative observed that such an appointment does not appear necessary at this stage of proceedings.</p><p>Upon reviewing the shortlist, the Legal Representative considers that the experts included possess the relevant credentials and expertise for appointment.</p><p>The Legal Representative further submits that, for the purposes of efficiently conducting pre-trial proceedings—including the confirmation of charges hearing—and in light of Duterte’s ability to fluently communicate in English, the fact that the shortlisted experts are English speakers is preferable under the circumstances of the case.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YQBZ3TVyVR8?&amp;t=498s&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The panel should consist of at least three experts in the fields of forensic psychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioral neurology all drawn from a shortlist submitted by the Registry.</p>

The panel should consist of at least three experts in the fields of forensic psychiatry, neuropsychology, and behavioral neurology all drawn from a shortlist submitted by the Registry.

3 experts eyed to assess Duterte's mental fitness for crimes vs humanity trial

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

3 experts eyed to assess Duterte's mental fitness for crimes vs humanity trial

Christopher Sitson,

ABS-CBN News

Published October 10, 2025 07:08 AM PHT

|

Updated October 18, 2025 08:06 AM PHT

Read More:

the hague

international criminal court

ICC

duterte

former president

trial

medical expert

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.