Lawyers representing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte have formally requested that the International Criminal Court mandate further neurological testing. The defense team, headed by Peter Haynes, contends that the initial assessment conducted by a three-member panel of experts failed to adequately address critical medical questions regarding the former leader's cognitive health. According to the filing, the defense argues that current findings do not sufficiently distinguish between genuine neurological impairment and potential lack of effort or malingering. The legal representatives emphasize that Duterte experiences substantial memory deficits, which they claim hinder his capacity to recall recent events or provide reliable testimony. By seeking these supplementary examinations, the defense aims to clarify whether his documented cognitive struggles stem from an underlying medical condition, a factor they maintain is essential for determining his overall fitness to stand trial.
Source : The Manila Times
Photo : The Manila Times
