Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court in The Hague this week, marking his first physical presence at the tribunal since his arrest in Manila 18 months ago.
Duterte, 81, is facing trial for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from his aggressive war on drugs, a policy he championed from 2016 to 2022 to restore order and economic stability. The court is examining actions taken during his tenure as mayor of Davao and his subsequent presidency.
While defense attorneys have argued that Duterte suffers from significant memory impairment and is unfit to stand trial, prosecutors have challenged these claims. Judges have ordered a medical assessment to determine his mental fitness, with a trial date currently set for November 30.
The proceedings come as the Duterte family faces a massive political crisis in the Philippines.
The former leader's daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, is currently embroiled in a bitter feud with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos and faces an impeachment trial over allegations of misusing public funds and making threats against the President and his family.
The collapse of the Marcos-Duterte alliance has fundamentally altered the nation's political landscape, leaving the former president's legacy and his daughter's political future hanging in the balance.
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