No trial date has been set by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III in the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte as the chamber awaits an updated medical assessment of his health condition.

Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the court must make a separate determination on Duterte’s fitness to stand trial despite earlier findings during the confirmation proceedings.

“The finding of fitness related to the confirmation proceedings and the chamber is obliged to make a separate finding on that issue,” Korner highlighted.

She said the three medical experts who previously examined Duterte may be instructed to conduct another assessment.

“You very sensibly proposed that the three gentlemen who examined him for the purpose of confirmation proceedings should be reinstructed to reexamine him,” she added.

Korner said the chamber will first wait for the updated medical report before making further decisions on the matter.

She also acknowledged difficulty in setting a trial schedule without an updated assessment, noting Duterte’s age and possible medical condition in relation to scheduling.

Meanwhile, the chamber approved the request of victims’ representatives for a secure and private meeting room, while Korner said there is no need at this stage to appoint an alternate judge as earlier suggested by the prosecution.