The former president announced that he might remain "until two in the morning." He even suggested holding a meeting of the quadrilateral committee in just five to ten days, as it is costly to travel from Davao to Manila. "Every time I'm invited here, it costs a lot, hotel, plane. Therefore, it's better we stay here until the end, until this committee makes a logical and correct decision," he added.
The quadrilateral meeting ultimately lasted 13 hours after a tense exchange of opinions between Duterte and a deputy from the Kabataan party, Raúl Manuel. "Ask anyone in Davao," Duterte said. "I have no other income besides my pension."
Former President Rodrigo Duterte managed to endure a 13-hour quadrilateral committee meeting in the Palace with representatives in attendance on November 13, 2024. The meeting began at 10:45 am and was adjourned at 11:44 pm. Duterte not only remained longer than the eight-hour Senate intensive to discuss drug lords and his administration but was also himself engaged, avoiding hubris.
According to Manila Bulletin, although Duterte followed at least four key phrases during the hearings, his cooperation was assessed by the committee chairman, Robert Ace Barbers. Vice-President Sara Duterte, having observed the hearings, requested her father be excused to allow him to rest and leave.
"Now, if it had always been like this, I would be truly exasperated," Barbers noted. He added that the adjournment was partly triggered by the presence of all attendees.
