Manila, May 27 -- Judges at the International Criminal Court handling the case of former president Rodrigo Duterte have called for the expedited proceedings of the case and ordered a new medical assessment to determine his fitness to stand trial.

During the first status conference at the International Criminal Court on Wednesday, Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said the proceedings involving former president Rodrigo Duterte should begin as soon as possible due to concerns over his health, noting it as a pressing issue and citing the request of the defense lawyer for a new medical assessment.

"As you rightly pointed out and you filed a motion to that effect, the finding of fitness related to the confirmation proceedings and the chamber is...