MISLEADING: Duterte cannot recall presidency, family members’ names — Roque

James Mer Adena

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque claimed Duterte could no longer remember serving as president or the names of his children, grandchildren, and other close family members. However, the extent of Duterte’s memory impairment remained under assessment, and the ICC had not established these specific claims as fact.

CLAIM:

Roque claimed Duterte can no longer remember being president or the names of his children, grandchildren, and other relatives.

RATING: MISLEADING

CONCLUSION:

Roque did make the statement, but there is no official ICC finding confirming that Duterte can no longer remember his presidency or family members. While his defense raised concerns about his memory, prosecutors disputed the extent of his reported impairment.

THE FACTS:

• Harry Roque made the claim on his “The Spox Hour” program, according to a report published October 3.
• Duterte’s defense reported significant memory impairment, including difficulty retaining recent information and sometimes remembering his lead counsel’s name.
• The ICC had not made a final finding that Duterte was unfit to stand trial. Prosecutors argued that he remained capable of meaningfully exercising his procedural and fair-trial rights.
• The ICC was conducting an updated fitness assessment for the trial phase after Duterte’s defense requested a new medical examination.
• Duterte did appear personally at the ICC on September 16, where judges heard arguments concerning his health and ability to stand trial.

THE BOTTOMLINE:

Roque’s claim remains unconfirmed by the ICC, making it MISLEADING to present it as an established fact.