By Filane Mikee Cervantes | Philippine News Agency
The House Committee on Human Rights on Tuesday approved a motion to invite former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald dela Rosa to attend its hearing on the previous administration’s drug war.
During its third hearing, the House panel approved Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas’ motion, which was seconded by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.
Dela Rosa served as the Philippine National Police chief in 2016 to 2018 at the height of the Duterte administration’s drug war. He was elected senator in the 2019 midterm elections.
“Mr. Chair, I move to invite former president Rodrigo Duterte and, of course, Senator Bato dela Rosa para po sa pagsagot sa mga issues na ina-allege, mga issues na inihahapag ng EJK [extrajudicial killings] [victims’ families],” Brosas said during the hearing.
Committee chair and Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. also suggested inviting Duterte and Dela Rosa to listen to the testimonies of the victims’ families.
“We have informed the former president of this hearing, so he knows,” Abante said. “For the fourth hearing, I will be inviting Senator Bato dela Rosa and the former president to come and listen to your testimony.”
Abante stressed the importance of this investigation in seeking truth and accountability, as it aims to look into the alleged human rights violations during Duterte’s drug war.
“We are committed to protecting witnesses and supporting victims,” he said. “The House of Representatives is here to support you, to safeguard your rights, and to ensure your safety.”
Government data show that over 6,200 drug suspects died in anti-narcotics operations from June 2016 to November 2021, but human rights organizations estimate the death toll could be more than 20,000, affecting predominantly poor communities.
