ICC judges find Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial, with the trial opening scheduled for 30 November

8 October 2026

The International Criminal Court made public on 8 October 2026 a decision of Trial Chamber III, dated 28 September 2026, holding that former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte is fit to stand trial. The opening of the trial is scheduled for 30 November 2026. The Chamber said it was satisfied that the accused is able to exercise his fair trial rights effectively, basing its finding on an independent Panel of Experts and on submissions by the parties and participants. The Expert Panel unanimously found that he has the capacity to understand the charges, the purpose and consequences of the proceedings, the nature of entering a plea and the evidence, and to instruct counsel. The Chamber said it will assess sitting hours case by case depending on the circumstances of the witnesses and the accused, and instructed the Registry that his health be continuously monitored by the Medical Officer of the Court's Detention Centre. The arrest warrant was issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I as secret on 7 March 2025 and made public on 11 March 2025. Duterte was surrendered to the ICC on 12 March 2025 and made his initial appearance on 14 March 2025. The confirmation of charges hearing was held from 23 to 27 February 2026, and on 23 April 2026 Pre-Trial Chamber I unanimously confirmed all charges, comprising three counts of crimes against humanity.