Former President Rodri Go Duterre and Senator Risa Hontiveros exchanged sharp statements regarding the aftermath of the previous administration's anti-narcotics policy. Hontiveros demanded from Duterre direct responsibility for his earlier statements, in which he took full accountability for the abuse and failures in the campaign against drugs.
"Will you take responsibility for the death of Kian Delos Santos?" Hontiveros asked. Delos Santos, a 17-year-old student, was killed by police in 2017 after he was falsely accused of involvement in drug-related crimes.
"No," Duterre responded. "How will Carla Entoni Nunez count it?" Hontiveros continued, to which Duterre sidestepped, stating he would answer in detail before expressing himself, while Hontiveros continued her "bullying." This did not sit well with Hontiveros.
"I speak specifically, murder is a personal matter, first ask the advocate," Duterre stated. "Murder is personal; you cannot shift this on someone else," he added.
Hontiveros insisted that the Senate is investigating the aftermath of Duterre's campaign and the related incidents of violent murders, relying on his previous statements. Duterre later pointed out Hontiveros, asking the Senate committee chair Senator Coco Pimentel to focus on her conduct.
"Can the investment material not point to the committee member?" Hontiveros raised. After this, Pimentel temporarily suspended the hearing, but the tension remained.
"You did not understand the president's policy. I spoke about the policy; I take full responsibility, but when it comes to specific offenses, that is unacceptable, and if I say that I will take responsibility before the court, that will not be accepted," Duterre raised his voice.
Later, Duterre accused Hontiveros of trying to accuse him. After the break, Duterre admitted that he raised his voice and requested understanding regarding his behavior.
