ICC postpones hearing on charges vs. Duterte

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has indefinitely postponed the hearing to confirm charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, initially set for September 23.

Duterte's defense lawyer successfully argued that the former president is not fit to stand trial, a claim that victims' lawyers from the National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) called a "desperate, time-worn, and calculated ploy to paint himself aggrieved."

The ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber I granted the postponement with a 2-1 vote, allowing time to consider the defense's request, though victims' lawyers believe fitness for trial is a factual matter that can be decided soonest.

Duterte's legal team had requested an "indefinite adjournment" of the confirmation of charges hearing.

NUPL stated that if Duterte is ill, he could waive his right to be present at the hearing and assign his lawyer to represent him.

The postponement is limited to the confirmation of charges hearing and does not constitute an adjournment of the entire proceedings, with a new date to be announced later.