Former President Rodrigo Duterte plans to attend the upcoming Senate probe on his controversial war on drugs, as confirmed by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. The Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee is set to begin its investigation on October 28. Senator Dela Rosa stated that Duterte will participate in the probe regardless of who presides over the session.
The probe will focus on the alleged extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations that occurred during Duterte’s presidency. The inquiry is part of the Senate’s broader efforts to understand the implications and outcomes of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Duterte, who served as President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, gained international attention for his aggressive stance on illegal drugs.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will spearhead the investigation, with Senators Ronald Dela Rosa and Pia Cayetano taking leading roles in the proceedings. Senator Dela Rosa, who previously served as the Chief of the Philippine National Police under Duterte, has expressed his commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the concerns raised by various human rights organizations.
During Duterte’s term, the war on drugs became a focal point of his administration. Thousands of individuals were killed in anti-drug operations, raising alarm among human rights advocates both locally and internationally. The campaign’s approach drew criticism from multiple quarters, prompting investigations by international bodies, including the United Nations.
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, the Senate Minority Leader, is also expected to play a significant role in the inquiry. He has voiced the need for a comprehensive review of the policies implemented during Duterte’s administration, aiming to provide clarity on the operations conducted under the anti-drug campaign.
The hearings set for October 28 are anticipated to attract considerable public attention. Various stakeholders, including human rights groups, legal experts, and families of victims, have been vocal about their expectations for the investigation. The Senate has extended invitations to several key figures associated with the anti-drug campaign, including former officials who played pivotal roles in its execution.
The Senate probe constitutes one of the numerous efforts by the legislative branch to scrutinize the conduct and results of Duterte’s war on drugs. The investigation is expected to shed light on the events that transpired, with testimonies from various witnesses projected to provide insights into the strategies and outcomes of the campaign.
Prior to his presidency, Duterte served as Mayor of Davao City, where he implemented a similar anti-drug policy. The strategy’s extension on a national scale drew both support and criticism. Supporters argued that the crackdown was necessary to combat the country’s drug problem, while detractors highlighted the human rights violations associated with the approach.