Metro Manila, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team has received the International Criminal Court’s panel of expert reports on his medical condition, but said the findings remain confidential for now.
Nicholas Kaufman, Duterte’s lead counsel, confirmed the development in a message to NewsWatch Plus, saying the defense and the court have been given until Dec. 12, 2025, to submit any observations.
“The Defence has been provided with the reports of the Court-appointed panel of experts. The contents of these reports are confidential,” Kaufman said in a message to NewsWatch Plus.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ordered the medical assessment after Duterte’s lawyers sought an indefinite adjournment in the confirmation-of-charges proceedings. The chamber extended the hearing schedule, saying a short postponement was necessary to rule on the request and related matters.
The court also instructed the ICC Registry to draw up a list of experts to evaluate Duterte. The current panel, published Nov. 14, includes three neuropsychiatry specialists. The chamber previously removed two experts—one over social media activity deemed inappropriate for an ICC consultant, and another for failing to disclose an active suspension.
Kaufman said the defense will file its response to the expert findings on or before Dec. 12.
The ICC denied Duterte’s appeal for interim release on Nov. 28.
