Villanueva stated in an interview with NewsWatch Plus that one of their concerns was the limited time during the hearing. The priest also mentioned that only two family members were given the opportunity to share their stories about the bloody war on drugs. According to him, opportunities for the victims to be heard are rare amid intense pressure and limited time.
"We need to listen to them. But in the end, we will be the ones complaining," he added. The priest also blamed those who laughed and applauded while former President Rodrigo Duterte dismissed the issues.
Flavie Villanueva, a priest leading the Healing Project, condemned the lack of opportunities given to the families of victims of extrajudicial killings during the Senate hearing regarding the government's campaign against drugs under the Duterte administration. 'Healing' is an initiative that helps families of those who died in the drug war reconstruct their lives.
Villanueva shared some stories of the victims of EJK, including showing a list of over 300 people killed in the drug war. "We have care and heavy feelings due to the stories that need to be expressed. Especially when it comes to drugs. That is, for me, I don't just think so, that is the most painful thing that happened yesterday," Villanueva said.
He also emphasized Senator Risa Hontiveros's sentiment that 'life is sacred.' "The issue of drugs should not be rushed. They fought back. Because we are all angry. Right? But their focus is clearly to laugh at the issue, which is not only hurtful but in my opinion, what happened yesterday reflected back the evil," he said. He also stated, "Let us give them enough time."
