THE HAGUE, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Former Philippines president Rodrigo 
Duterte will face a hearing at the International Criminal Court next month, 
judges ruled on Monday, rejecting arguments the 80-year-old was unfit to take 
part.

Duterte will face a so-called "confirmation of charges" hearing starting 
February 23, where judges decide whether the prosecution's allegations are 
strong enough to proceed to trial.

"Having regard to the relevant legal principles, the medical assessment of 
the independent experts... and all of the relevant circumstances of the case, 
the Chamber was satisfied that Mr Duterte is able effectively to exercise his 
procedural rights," the court said.

Duterte is "therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings," the ICC 
added.

ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against 
humanity, alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders as part of his "war 
on drugs".

The first count concerns his alleged involvement as a co-perpetrator in 19 
murders carried out between 2013 and 2016 while Duterte was mayor of Davao 
City.

The second count relates to 14 murders of so-called "High Value Targets" in 
2016 and 2017 when Duterte was president.

And the third charge is about 43 murders committed during "clearance" 
operations of lower-level alleged drug users or pushers.

These took place across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018, the 
prosecution alleged.

In October, the court had already rejected a defence plea for early release, 
arguing he posed a flight risk and could be in a position to influence 
witnesses if freed.

Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, flown to the Netherlands that 
same night and has been held at the ICC's detention unit at Scheveningen 
Prison since.

He followed his initial hearing by video link, appearing dazed and frail and 
barely speaking.