International Criminal Court (ICC) Assistant to Counsel Atty. Kristina Conti has released an update regarding the ongoing confirmation of charges proceedings against former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with alleged crimes against humanity.
In her latest Facebook post on Saturday, October 18, Conti disclosed that over the past three weeks, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I appointed three independent panels of experts to evaluate Duterte’s current medical condition.
“One is an expert on forensic psychiatry, one on neuropsychology, and one on geriatric and behavioral neurology. Their report, which most likely be confidential, is due on October 31, 2025,” said Conti.
She added that both the defense, prosecution, and the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV)—representing the victims—have been given until November 5, 2025, to submit their respective comments on the findings.
According to Conti, should the judges be convinced by the expert reports that Duterte is medically fit to face trial, the confirmation of charges hearing will move forward at the earliest possible time.
“We hope to have the charges finalized and the trial start in 2026,” Conti stated.
However, if the evaluation determines that the former president is unfit to stand trial, proceedings will be temporarily suspended.
“He will remain in the custody of the ICC and the case will be reviewed every 120 days (four months),” the ICC Assistant to Counsel clarified.
It will be recalled that on October 10, the ICC denied Duterte’s request for interim release, questioning the humanitarian basis of his plea amid concerns over his health while under detention.