Duterte was found to have 'cognitive impairment,' defense tells ICC

An accredited medical professional has found that former President Rodrigo Duterte has cognitive impairment, according to his defense team at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a 5-page redacted version of their submission of medical reports, Duterte's camp said the reports of the medical professional appointed by the ICC Detention Centre's Medical Officer corroborated the findings of their camp's intended expert neuropsychologist. 

"The evaluation — performed by a medical professional whose qualifications are unknown to the Defence — confirm, as long suspected, cognitive impairment," said Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte's lead defense counsel.

"Indeed, even in an absence of clarity or consensus on aetiology or severity, both medical professionals agree on the existence of the impairment itself, with the 23 June 2025 neuropsychology report corroborating and supporting the findings," he added.

Kaufman said the cognitive faculties affected are those required to work on his legal case.

The ICC Prosecutor has charged Duterte with murder and frustrated murder over 49 incidents in his war on drugs when he was mayor of Davao City and as President of the Philippines.

In its August 28 response to the defense team's earlier request for indefinite adjournment of the confirmation of charges hearing, the ICC Prosecution requested to have its own medical expert assess Duterte's health.

The prosecution had argued that the indefinite adjournment cannot be decided solely on "Defence Reports" and "Defence Experts," adding that it does not accept their "conclusions and opinions."

"The Prosecution Expert should be provided with the same records, documentation, and any other relevant information that was made available to the Defence Experts," it added.

Nonetheless, The Hague-based tribunal's Pre-Trial Chamber I announced a "limited postponement" of legal proceedings after his camp asserted that he was unfit to stand trial.

In its indefinite adjournment plea, Duterte's camp previously said he is unable to recall events, places, timing, or even members of his close family.

"Mr. Duterte's cognitive impairment is sufficient to warrant litigation of the matter prior to the holding of the confirmation hearing," Kaufman said in submitting the matter as medical information into the ICC case record.

The former president's confirmation of charges hearing was previously scheduled on September 23. — VDV, GMA Integrated News