Marilyn Cahatol

Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s initial appearance took place on Friday, 14 March 2025, at 14:00 hours (The Hague local time), before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court").

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Initial appearance of Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber I may release its decision on whether former President Rodrigo Duterte is indeed fit to stand trial in January next year.</p><p>In a submission made by the prosecution on December 18, it noted that the panel of medical experts’ conclusion is ‘clear and unanimous’ and ‘should be relied upon by the Chamber’ to determine that the former president is fit to stand trial.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/19/icc-prosecutors-say-duterte-is-feigning-cognitive-impairment-to-avoid-trial-1206">ICC prosecutors say Duterte is ‘feigning cognitive impairment’ to avoid trial</a></div><p>ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti explained that it is the chamber that will have a final say on the matter.</p><p>The tribunal has also been on judicial recess since December 12.</p><p>“Aba syempre medyo gumaan ang loob ng mga victims dahil medyo senyales ito na magsisimula ang trial. Of course, hindi pa ito ‘yung final answer. Kumbaga, kailangan ‘yung judges ang magsabi,” ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti told DZMM Sunday, December 20.</p><p>(Of course, this gave the victims some peace of mind because it signals the trial might start soon. Of course, this isn&#x27;t the final answer yet. It is the judges who have to say it)</p><p>&quot;They can even decide against kumbaga the medical expert opinion na sa tingin nila, mas pinaniniwalaan nila ‘yung observation naman ng defense,&quot; she further explained. </p><p>(They can even decide against the medical expert opinion if they give weight to the defense&#x27;s observation)</p><p>The defense earlier contested the panel of experts&#x27; findings in a separate submission, citing Duterte&#x27;s &quot;short term memory&quot; among others.</p><p>“Pero syempre, meron ka nang expert na nagsasabing ganito, tingin namin walang balakid para sabihin nila ‘okay, let’s continue with the confirmation of charges hearing in 2026’,” Conti added.</p><p>(But of course you already have a witness saying they think there is no reason to not go through with the confirmation of charges)</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/20/victims-counsel-urges-icc-to-proceed-with-duterte-confirmation-hearing-1455">Victims’ counsel urges ICC to proceed with Duterte confirmation hearing; defense insists ex-president unfit to stand trial</a></div><p>The lawyer also noted in an earlier interview that should the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber rule that Duterte is fit to stand trial, they can order the rescheduling of the confirmation of charges hearing that had been postponed last September.</p><p>Conti expressed confidence that aside from the confirmation of charges hearing, the trial itself would commence next year.</p><p>&quot;Confident kami, kaya magpapasko kaming masaya na by 2026 hindi lang ‘yung confirmation of charges kasi pre-trial kundi by 2026, magbubukas din ‘yung trial,&quot; she stated.</p><p>(We are confident — that&#x27;s why we will have a merry Christmas — that by 2026, it will not just be the confirmation of charges and pre-trial. The trial itself will start)</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/19/icc-pre-trial-chamber-urged-to-set-date-for-duterte-s-confirmation-of-charges-hearing-soon-0006">ICC Pre-Trial Chamber urged to set date for Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing soon</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GN7b8MCZnII?si=psBVR3uCJteZHL1f" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber I may release its decision on whether former President Rodrigo Duterte is indeed fit to stand trial in January next year.</p>

The International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber I may release its decision on whether former President Rodrigo Duterte is indeed fit to stand trial in January next year.

ICC Pre-Trial Chamber may rule on Duterte’s fitness to stand trial in January – Conti

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ICC Pre-Trial Chamber may rule on Duterte’s fitness to stand trial in January – Conti

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 21, 2025 03:10 PM PHT

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ICC

Kristina Conti

Rodrigo Duterte

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