THE HAGUE – Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face a hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in February after judges ruled on Jan. 26 that he is fit to participate, rejecting claims that the 80-year-old is unfit.

The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled to start on Feb. 23, during which judges will determine whether the prosecution’s allegations are strong enough to proceed to trial.

“Having regard to the relevant legal principles, the medical assessment of the independent experts… and all of the relevant circumstances of the case, the Chamber was satisfied that Mr Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights,” the ICC said.

The court added that Duterte is “therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings.”

ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders linked to his “war on drugs.”

The first count concerns his alleged role as a co-perpetrator in 19 murders carried out between 2013 and 2016 while he served as mayor of Davao City. The second count relates to 14 murders of so-called high-value targets in 2016 and 2017 during his presidency.