Metro Manila, Philippines – Judges at the International Criminal Court have denied a defense request for an additional expert report assessing whether former President Rodrigo Duterte poses risks such as fleeing proceedings, intimidating witnesses, or committing further crimes.

In a decision dated Jan. 7, the court’s Pre-Trial Chamber said it already has sufficient medical and cognitive assessments from court-appointed experts and “sees no reason to order” another report.

The defense had sought a new expert opinion focused on whether Duterte’s current cognitive condition could affect risk factors under the court’s rules governing detention and provisional release. Prosecutors and lawyers for victims opposed the request.

Judges ruled that the panel of experts appointed by the court had already completed its mandate and submitted both joint and individual reports, which remain available to the defense for its arguments on detention.

“Whether the risks under article 58(1)(b) of the Statute … continue to exist is a legal determination to be made by the Chamber,” the judges wrote, adding that an additional expert opinion would be “neither appropriate nor necessary” at this stage.

The chamber emphasized that assessing risks such as flight or witness interference falls within the judges’ authority, not that of medical experts. It also noted that upcoming submissions by the parties on Duterte’s periodic detention review would provide ample material for its decision.

The ruling follows the chamber’s earlier rejection of Duterte’s requests for interim release, decisions that were upheld on appeal.

Duterte was surrendered to the court in March 2025 following the issuance of an arrest warrant related to alleged crimes against humanity.

The judges said they will determine the schedule for any hearing on Duterte’s periodic detention review “in due course,” but declined to address that issue further in the present decision.