By Junex Doronio
MANILA – If former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte could attend a Senate hearing, why not the House Quad Committee session on Thursday, November 7?
House Assistant Majority Leader Pammy Zamora of Taguig City said on Wednesday (November 6, 2024) that Duterte’s appearance before the Quad Comm could dispel perceptions of his preference for other venues over the House of Representatives, while also setting a positive precedent for both current and former officials.
“As a lawyer, ex-President Duterte has the opportunity to show Filipinos his commitment to lawful processes by participating in the Quad Comm inquiry into the war on drugs, which allegedly claimed over 30,000 lives,” said Zamora, a leader of Young Guns.
She added that Duterte, through his counsel Atty. Martin Delgra III, indicated his availability for a hearing after November 1.
The mega panel, chaired by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, had initially expected Duterte’s presence as a resource person in the October 22 hearing. However, Duterte declined due to health reasons.
Yet, just six days later, on October 28, a seemingly energetic Duterte attended the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation on a similar matter, even stating he was ready to answer senators’ questions until the following morning.
Zamora noted that Duterte’s attendance at the Quad Comm “would reinforce respect for the rule of law by demonstrating that everyone, regardless of past titles, should be willing to answer for their actions.”
“I also assure that the former President would be treated with respect and given the opportunity to clarify pressing concerns regarding the previous drug war,” she emphasized.
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