MANILA – Former President Rodrigo Duterte is in good health after undergoing a medical checkup on Thursday, the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands said early Friday.
In a statement posted on their social media page, the Embassy said the former Chief Executive contacted the consulate and assured his wellbeing after his medical check.
“At 3:41 p.m., CET, Thursday, March 13, an International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Officer called the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague to inform the latter that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte requested to speak with a Consular Officer,” the Embassy said in a statement.
“During the call, the former President conveyed, among others, that he underwent medical check-up and has received medical care and that he is generally fine,” it added.
The Embassy also said that Duterte requested a visit by consular officials, and also asked them to assist in the request for a visit by his legal counsel and family member, respectively.
“Thereupon, the Embassy made such request to the Registry of the ICC to facilitate a Consular Visit to the former President as soon as possible. The Embassy also made a follow-up on the request for a visit by his legal counsel and his family member,” it said.
The Embassy further said that the former President also called and talked to his legal counsel, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who earlier claimed that Duterte is not in the ICC detention facility.
Duterte’s first appearance at the ICC has been set for Friday, where he will be informed of the crimes he is alleged to have committed, as well as his rights as a defendant.
Duterte stands accused of the crime against humanity of murder over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups said killed tens of thousands of people.
At the initial hearing, a suspect can request interim release pending a trial, according to ICC rules.
Following that first hearing, the next phase is a session to confirm the charges, at which point a suspect can challenge the prosecutor’s evidence.
Only after that hearing will the court decide whether to press ahead with a trial, a process that could take several months or even years./PN
