FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte has been found to suffer from cognitive impairment, according to his defense team’s submission before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a five-page redacted filing, Duterte’s lawyers cited medical reports from a professional appointed by the ICC Detention Centre’s Medical Officer, which corroborated the findings of the defense’s own neuropsychologist.
“The evaluation performed by a medical professional whose qualifications are unknown to the Defence confirms, as long suspected, cognitive impairment,” said Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lead counsel.
Kaufman added that while there was no full agreement on the cause or severity, both medical assessments confirmed the impairment, particularly affecting faculties required for Duterte to work on his legal case.
The ICC Prosecutor has charged Duterte with murder and frustrated murder in relation to 49 incidents linked to his bloody anti-drug campaign during his time as Davao City mayor and later as Philippine president.
Last August, the ICC prosecution requested its own medical expert to assess Duterte’s health, arguing that adjournment of proceedings should not rely solely on defense-submitted reports.
While the tribunal’s Pre-Trial Chamber I ordered only a “limited postponement,” Duterte’s defense continues to press for indefinite adjournment, citing his inability to recall events, places, timing, or even close family members.
His confirmation of charges hearing, originally set for September 23, has been delayed as the court weighs his medical condition.