THE INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I has formally rejected a request from the defense team of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to provide an additional expert report regarding his cognitive condition.
The defense had argued that an extra evaluation was necessary to determine if Duterte’s cognitive health reduces the risk factors listed under Article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute, specifically those concerning flight risk, witness interference, or the potential for further crimes.
However, in a decision dated Jan. 7, 2026, the presiding judges ruled that assessing these risks is a “legal, not a medical, question for the Court.”
The Chamber noted that a court-appointed panel of experts has already submitted “comprehensive” medical and cognitive evaluations of the former president.
Finding no legal basis for further evidence, the Chamber denied the request.
