Philippines’ Duterte to Skip ICC Hearing, Says He Is ‘Frail’

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte does not plan to attend his pre-trial hearing at the International Criminal Court set for next week, saying he is physically unfit to follow the legal proceedings.

“I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes,” Duterte said in a request filed by his lawyer to waive his right to be present at the hearing on the confirmation of charges against him that starts on Monday.