New Delhi, Oct. 9 -- Duterte, 81, denies the charges. His trial is scheduled to open on Nov. 30. The ex-leader is accused of murder and attempted murder for his alleged involvement in dozens of killings as part of the war on drugs. He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.

The court's Sept. 28 ruling that he is fit to face justice came after an independent panel of experts said that Duterte "has the capacity to understand the charges" and follow the proceedings including the implications of entering a plea - which he will be asked to do when the trial opens, the court said in a statement.

He also is mentally fit to understand evidence and discuss his defense with his lawyers, the panel of experts said. His legal tea...