Judges at the International Criminal Court have ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
The ICC also set a confirmation of charges hearing on 23 February, where judges will decide whether the prosecution's case against Duterte is strong enough to proceed to a trial.
Duterte's lawyers earlier argued that the 80-year-old is unfit to participate in the ICC proceedings. He has been detained at the Hague since March last year.
He is accused of being criminally responsible for dozens of murders under his so-called war on drugs, during which thousands of small-time drug dealers, users and others were killed without trial.
Duterte was president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He justified his war on drugs by saying peace and order would pave the way for economic development.
Citing opinions from a panel of medical experts, ICC judges said they were satisfied that Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings.
ICC judges also said in their decision on Monday that the mental capacities needed to meaningfully exercise one's procedural and fair trial rights did not have to be at their notionally highest level.
Congresswoman Leila de Lima, one of Duterte's fiercest critics, welcomed the ruling, stating that it speaks to the importance of victims' voices not being sidelined.
Duterte was arrested at Manila airport in March 2025 as his family's alliance with his successor crumbled. His arrest has sharply divided the Philippine public, reflecting longstanding tensions over his administration's policies. Despite his controversial actions while in office, Duterte remains a figure of significant influence and popular support.
