By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Following former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s admission of full legal responsibility for the killings under his war on drugs during a Senate inquiry on Monday (October 28, 2024), the Young Guns bloc of the House of Representatives is calling for Duterte to face the full force of the law, insisting he should go to jail for the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) committed during his administration.
Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre responded sharply to Duterte’s statement, emphasizing that his admission leaves no room for leniency.
“The former President has publicly accepted responsibility for these deaths,” Acidre stated. “If we truly stand by our principles of justice and the rule of law, Mr. Duterte must be held accountable. He must go to jail for these EJKs. This is not about politics; it’s about justice.”
Acidre stressed that no one, especially those in positions of power, should be immune from legal consequences. “Duterte’s words have given the justice system a clear mandate to act,” he added. “As public servants, our duty is to uphold justice—not to shield individuals. Duterte must face the legal consequences for his actions.”
House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun echoed Acidre’s stance, calling this a pivotal moment for the Philippines. “Duterte’s admission offers an opportunity to reaffirm our nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” he said. “This is a critical time for our institutions to show their strength by pursuing the legal accountability that so many families have waited for.”
Assistant Majority Leader Mika Suansing emphasized the importance of government institutions in ensuring justice. “Our judiciary and investigative bodies now have a duty to act on this admission,” Suansing declared. “The former President’s own words must be met with a serious response. For too long, victims of EJKs have waited for answers.”
Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Lordan Suan, a lawyer, urged the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman to launch a full investigation. “We cannot ignore such an admission,” Suan insisted. “These institutions must act decisively and transparently to restore faith in our justice system.”
Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V highlighted the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) should domestic avenues fail. “If Philippine authorities do not act, the ICC could be a crucial avenue for justice,” Ortega remarked. “We must ensure accountability for the lives lost and demonstrate that no one is above the law.”
In a unified statement, the Young Guns urged the justice system to act without fear or favor.
“Duterte’s admission has removed any ambiguity,” Acidre said on behalf of the group. “Our nation is at a crucial juncture, and the path forward is clear: Duterte must answer to the law. Let this be the moment where we stand firm for justice, dignity, and the lives lost.”
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