President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Philippine Department of Justice is investigating evidence of extrajudicial killings from the previous administration’s war on drugs. This inquiry aims to assess whether former President Rodrigo Duterte could be held liable for these actions. The investigation follows legislative probes into the drug war, with oversight from both the Palace and the Justice Department.
In recent congressional inquiries, Duterte has provided testimony. On Wednesday, he appeared before the House of Representatives to discuss his role in the drug war. His statements are now under review by the DOJ. The department is tasked with assessing the evidence to decide if there is sufficient ground to pursue legal actions against Duterte. This process is seen as part of a broader effort to evaluate the legal and ethical concerns raised by the drug war policies implemented during Duterte’s tenure.
The war on drugs initiated by Duterte has been controversial both locally and internationally. Human rights organizations and international bodies have criticized the approach, pointing to numerous alleged human rights violations. The Philippine government, under Marcos, has expressed a commitment to transparency and justice in the face of these allegations. The ongoing investigations are part of this commitment to address the complex issues surrounding the drug war.
Reports suggest the DOJ’s evaluation includes testimonies from various stakeholders and officials involved in the implementation of the drug policy. The hearings in Congress have brought forward key testimonies that could influence the DOJ’s decision on whether to file charges against Duterte. The evidential assessment is expected to be thorough, ensuring all relevant facts are considered.
Duterte has consistently defended his approach to the drug problem, claiming it was necessary to address the country’s drug crisis. However, the methods and outcomes of his policies have led to widespread debates. The prospect of legal proceedings against him has garnered significant attention within the Philippines and from international observers.
President Marcos has stated that the government will neither intervene to stop nor assist the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into the Philippine drug war. This position underscores the administration’s stance on maintaining a neutral approach to the investigation, allowing due process to take its course without external interference.
