Pre trial judges of the International Criminal Court have denied a defense request by former Philippine president Rody Duterte seeking disclosure of communications between the court’s Registry and medical experts who assessed his fitness to stand trial.
In a five page ruling, ICC Pre Trial Chamber I said Duterte’s lawyers already possess all material information related to how the three medical experts were engaged and instructed in preparing their reports.
“Without further substantiation from the defense, the disclosure of ‘all communications between the Registry and the three experts’ is not warranted,” the judges said in a decision signed by all three members of the chamber.
Duterte’s lawyer Nicholas Kaufman had asked the court to compel the ICC Registry to release all correspondence with the medical experts. Prosecutors and legal representatives of the victims have urged the chamber to rule that Duterte is fit to stand trial based on the experts’ findings. The judges have yet to issue a decision on Duterte’s fitness.
As the legal proceedings continue, Duterte’s son, Davao City Rep. Paulo Duterte, arrived in The Hague to visit his father, who is detained on charges of crimes against humanity. Paolo was accompanied by Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica.
In a video interview posted on Facebook, Paolo described his father’s condition during the visit.
“He has long hair. He took a bath…He didn’t eat anything. He just slept,” Duterte said.
Paolo is traveling under a revised itinerary from January 3 to 30. He earlier sought clearance from the House of Representatives to travel to 17 destinations from December 15 to February 20 but later shortened the duration and reduced the destinations. Duterte spent Christmas and New Year in detention without family visits under ICC rules that bar holiday visitation. Veronica arrived in The Hague on December 19.
Separately, Vice President Inday Sara Duterte was seen in Clark, Pampanga. The Office of the Vice President did not confirm the sighting or its purpose. The OVP said the Vice President led the inauguration of a donated private project in a barangay in Cawayan, Masbate.
