Former President Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance at the Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing to address the accusations and criticisms surrounding the drug war in the Philippines. The 79-year-old emphasized that his actions were aimed at protecting the country and its people, rather than promoting violence or abuse.
In his opening statement, Duterte reiterated his commitment to eradicating illegal substances such as shabu, cocaine, marijuana, and party drugs. He denied authorizing any abuses by the police or military, stating that his instructions were focused on self-defense in the face of threats from suspects.
Despite facing allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses, Duterte stood by his policies in the Senate hearing. He refused to apologize for his approach to the war on drugs, asserting that it was necessary for the safety and security of the nation.
During the hearing, some members of the House called for Duterte's imprisonment due to his admission of taking full responsibility for the drug war killings. The former president acknowledged the existence of a death squad under his command, which targeted criminals, and suggested that the provocation of suspected drug offenders was a means to validate their killings.
Despite criticism and demands for accountability, Duterte's appearance at the Senate marked a significant development in the ongoing investigation into his anti-illegal drug campaign. The proceedings raised questions about the former president's leadership and the consequences of his policies, particularly on human rights and justice in the Philippines.
Moving forward, the House quad committee plans to conduct further hearings on the matter in November. Calls for justice, transparency, and accountability in addressing the casualties of the drug war continue to echo among lawmakers and advocates, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals affected by the conflict.
