Duterte & Bato Opt Out of House Drug War Investigation
DUTERTE – Former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bato Dela Rosa will not participate in the House investigation into the drug war.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa have declined to attend any hearing of the House committee on human rights regarding alleged extrajudicial killings during the previous administration’s war on illegal drugs.
Lawmakers have called on Duterte and Dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, to address issues related to these killings.
Based om a report from Philstar, Duterte asserted that the House panel is not the appropriate venue for discussing such issues, particularly those concerning alleged extrajudicial killings. He emphasized that these matters should be addressed in the courts, which he views as the proper forum.
During a committee hearing last Tuesday, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas proposed inviting the two key figures of the past administration’s drug war.
Duterte is widely believed to be responsible for the killings, which has led individuals like Kristina Conti, secretary general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), to advocate for his accountability.
Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chair of the House committee on human rights, questioned Conti and the group Rise Up for Life and for Rights about Duterte’s potential accountability.
According to the report, Dela Rosa, on his part, stated he would not attend the House probe based on advice from Senate President Francis Escudero, citing inter-parliamentary courtesy. He mentioned that he had not yet received an official invitation from the House committee on human rights.
In a recent radio interview, Dela Rosa explained that he sought guidance from the Senate President. He expressed his willingness to face the committee but emphasized the importance of following the Senate President’s advice as a member of the Senate.
The House committee on human rights has summoned Duterte and Dela Rosa to its probe into alleged crimes against humanity during the previous administration’s controversial war on drugs. The invitation was based on a motion by Rep. Arlene Brosas to allow Duterte and Dela Rosa to directly respond to the grievances of the relatives of those killed in the drug war.
Dela Rosa, Duterte’s first PNP chief and considered the main architect of the drug war, acknowledged the need to seek Senate leadership’s guidance to avoid future regrets. He noted that following the Senate President’s advice aligns with longstanding traditions in the upper house.
Escudero advised Dela Rosa not to attend, citing inter-parliamentary courtesy and the need to maintain the Senate’s legislative functions. Dela Rosa emphasized the importance of the Senate leadership being aware of any official acts by its members to avoid future regrets.
Dela Rosa also challenged those who believe he and Duterte should be held accountable for their roles in the drug war to file appropriate cases in Philippine courts, expressing readiness to face any court proceedings in the country.
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