ICC Judges Noted Ex-President Duterte's 'Advanced Age,' Says Sara

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday said she was pleased that the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III has seen the status of former President Rodrigo Duterte during his first appearance at a status conference last week. "Masaya ako na nagkaroon ng status conference, no, at finally nakita ng mga judges kung ano ‘yung estado ni PRRD, na he’s of advance age," Sara said in an ambush interview. (I am happy that there was a status conference, and finally the judges saw what PRRD’s condition is, that he’s of advanced age.) She expressed hope that Duterte’s health will be discussed. Wearing a black coat, Duterte was already seated when the judges arrived, marking his first appearance in the third status conference of his crimes against humanity case. Following the status conference, the Trial Chamber unanimously decided to keep the former Philippine leader detained. The Chamber, however, noted it has yet to decide on the issue of Duterte’s fitness, as the defense’s requested “greater medical certainty” while challenging the expert panel’s report. Duterte is facing charges for crimes against humanity over alleged killings during his time as President and Davao City mayor. The former official is currently detained at the ICC Detention Centre in Scheveningen in The Hague, the Netherlands. — RSJ, GMA News