Manila, Dec. 20 -- A panel of medical experts unanimously" believed former President Rodrigo R. Duterte "fit to participate" in the International Criminal Court's (ICC) pre-trial proceedings, including confirmation hearing.

The panel, composed of independent and qualified experts, were earlier appointed by the Pre-Trial Chamber I to assess Duterte's fitness as his camp asserts that he is not fit to stand trial due to cognitive impairment.

According to a court document released on Dec. 18, three different physicians interviewed, examined and assessed the former chief executive from Oct. 8 to Nov. 18.

"Upon completion of their assessments, panel members individually reached the same overall conclusion that, while frail and elderly, Mr Du...