Medical Officer’s Evaluation Of FPRRD Submitted To ICC Pre-Trial Chamber
THE HAGUE, Netherlands—The International Criminal Court (ICC) has released a publicly redacted report regarding the health assessment of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.
The ICC Registry Report, originally submitted to the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I on 02 September 2025 and made public on 30 September 2025, addressed the medical assessment of the former president by the detention centre’s medical officer (MO), following the defence’s request for an indefinite adjournment due to alleged cognitive impairment.
The report, signed by Marc Dubuisson on behalf of the Registrar, was redacted and the annexed full medical report was kept confidential.
Cognitive Impairment
18 August 2025, Duterte’s Defence submitted a formal request to the ICC for an indefinite adjournment of proceedings, citing his cognitive impairment across multiple domains. The submission argued that Duterte is unfit to stand trial and that his condition is irreversible, thereby justifying a halt to all legal proceedings under Rule 135(4) of the ICC’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
In response, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber issued an order on 26 August 2025 directing the Registry to submit a detailed report to help adjudicate the defence’s request for indefinite adjournment.
The Pre-Trial Chamber 1 ordered the Registry to submit a report that would include the medical officer’s assessment of the former president´s health management while in custody, outlining all medical care, access, and examination results. It also required an evaluation of whether Duterte suffers from any condition affecting his ability to participate in pre-trial proceedings, including the confirmation of charges hearing, and whether any special measures or adjustments are recommended to accommodate his medical condition during those proceedings.
Medical Officer´s Role
According to the ICC Registry report, the medical officer reviewed Duterte’s health and recommended adjustments to the court’s sitting schedule to accommodate his condition, with daily evaluations planned during the confirmation of charges hearing. The Registry also transmitted a factual report detailing the medical care and arrangements provided in detention for Duterte. According to the report, Duterte gave consent to this. Lastly, the report emphasized that ¨the medical officer’s mandate is limited to the oversight of the physical and mental health of detained persons […]”, not determining fitness for trial.
