Manila, Sept. 8 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has postponed the start of the confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte that was originally scheduled later this month.

This was after the defense panel requested for an adjournment on the grounds that 80-year-old Duterte is not fit to stand trial.

In a decision issued on Monday, Pre-Trial Chamber I, with Judge Maria del Socorro Flores Liera dissenting, ruled to delay the proceedings, which was supposed to begin on Sept. 23.

The majority of the chamber agreed that a limited postponement was necessary to allow time to adjudicate the defense team's request and other related matters.

A new hearing date will be determined after these issues are addre...