By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte missed the 9th hearing of the House Quad Committee on Tuesday (22 Oct 2024), which is investigating the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign, among other pressing issues.
Duterte’s attorney, Martin Delgra III, notified the committee on Monday, October 21, 2024, that his client could not attend the scheduled hearing due to health concerns. In his letter to committee chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Delgra stated, “Unfortunately, despite his keen intention to attend, my client respectfully manifests that he cannot attend the public hearing set on 22 October 2024. Aside from the short notice given him, my client just arrived in Davao from Metro Manila last 17 October 2024. Considering his advanced age and the recent engagements he had to attend, he is currently not feeling well and is in need of much rest. Hence, my client respectfully requests to defer his appearance before the Honorable Committee scheduled tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Delgra expressed Duterte’s willingness to appear at a later date, preferably after November 1, 2024.
Rep. Barbers had previously invited the former President on October 18 to provide valuable insights on the ongoing inquiry, particularly regarding the extrajudicial killings that occurred during his administration.
On the eve of the hearing, Barbers and the other co-chairmen of the Quad Committee anticipated Duterte’s participation to address testimonies linking him to the August 2016 murders of three high-profile Chinese drug lords inside the Davao prison.
The committee was also keen to hear Duterte’s perspective on recent explosive claims made by senior police officers, including former colonel Royina Garma, who confirmed a reward system for EJKs that reportedly offered up to P1 million for the assassination of high-profile drug suspects. This revelation was initially disclosed by retiring police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido, who claimed the funding for this system came from illegal gambling activities and other dubious sources, including Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and proceeds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) small-town lottery operations.
Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chairman of the human rights committee, expressed a particular interest in understanding Duterte’s rationale behind the killings of suspects during the anti-drug campaign. “Bakit kailangang patayin yung suspect? Bakit kailangang pumatay ng libo-libo, mahigit na 20,000 suspect?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for accountability and clarity on the administration’s actions.
As the inquiry continues, the absence of the former President raises questions about transparency and responsibility regarding the controversial policies implemented during his tenure.
ia/mnm
