Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial, or in a mental and physical health suited to face the confirmation of his cases, according to an independent group of experts and doctors commissioned to determine his actual medical condition. The experts released their report on December 18-19. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is expected to issue its own decision based on this report.

Although old and frail, Duterte can reportedly understand the cases and proceedings and can assist in his own defense. The report only recommended that he be given a hearing aid and sufficient rest or breaks during hearings. It also recommended shortening the hearings to one and a half hours each, four times per week.

The experts found that the complaints of Duterte and his lawyers regarding his “cognitive decline” did not match the results of the tests conducted on him in October and November.

The report responded to the petition of Duterte’s lawyers to delay the hearing of his case, claiming he was “unfit to stand trial” due to old age. As expected, Duterte’s camp did not accept the experts’ conclusions. It continues to push for an indefinite postponement of the proceedings.

Meanwhile, the prosecution urged the ICC to expedite the cases against Duterte, since he is already old. It also stated that Duterte is “feignning” his cognitive impairment to fail his mental assessment and avoid the confirmation hearing for the cases filed against him.