Vice President Sara Duterte accused the International Criminal Court (ICC) of bias after it denied the defense’s request to indefinitely adjourn proceedings involving her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, citing alleged cognitive impairment.
In a unanimous 25-page ruling, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I said medical experts found Duterte fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings, which will resume with support measures based on medical advice.
Sara Duterte criticized the court for relying on what she called non-legal bases and claimed the ICC was already leading toward her father’s imprisonment.
The ICC has scheduled four days in late February for the confirmation of charges hearing, which will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Meanwhile, the Vice President said she would ask her father about calls to replace his lead counsel and reiterated her distrust of the ICC’s impartiality.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 29, 2026
