THE camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte has submitted medical reports to the International Criminal Court to back up their claims that he is suffering cognitive impairment and is not fit to stand the rigors of trial.
Duterte, 80, detained at the ICC in the Netherlands since last March, is facing charges of crimes against humanity stemming from the bloody anti-drug crackdown of his administration.
The 5-page submission dated July 18 but only made public on September 29 urged the ICC to postpone the confirmation of charges, saying the current condition of Duterte affects his ability to stand trial.
“The evaluation performed by a medical professional whose qualifications are unknown to the Defense confirms, as long suspected, cognitive impairment. Indeed, even in the absence of clarity or consensus on aetiology or severity, both medical professionals agree on the existence of the impairment itself, with the 23 June 2025 neuropsychology report corroborating and supporting the findings of (redacted) report of 29 May 2025,” read part of the defense submission signed by defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman.
“The cognitive faculties affected, including Mr. Duterte’s (redacted), are precisely those required to work on his legal case and with the Defense team,” it added.
Kaufman said that far from being unsubstantiated as what the prosecution claims, “the medical findings are objective and corroborated by the neuropsychologist appointed by the ICC Detention Center itself.”
Kaufman said Duterte agreed to the release of the medical records to the Pre-Trial Chamber, the Prosecution, and the Office of the Public Counsel of Victims.
The Pre-Trial Chamber earlier reset the September 23 confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte to a later date in response to a request made by the defense for an “indefinite adjournment” of all legal proceedings, while the tribunal determines his fitness to stand trial.
Kaufman earlier appealed to the Marcos administration to let Duterte return home and face whatever charges in the country instead of in the ICC, as he claimed that his medical situation has been “progressively deteriorating,” and is not fit to stand trial.
Last week, the Office of the Prosecutor disclosed the summary and details of charges against Duterte, including 49 murders and attempted murder involving 78 victims as crimes against humanity.
