Duterte, Bato won’t attend House drug war probe

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa will not attend any hearing of the House committee on human rights meant for them to shed light on alleged extrajudicial killings during the previous administration’s war against illegal drugs.

Lawmakers are asking Duterte and Dela Rosa, who was then Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, to answer issues involving extrajudicial killings.

Duterte pointed out the House panel is not the proper forum for him to discuss any issue, particularly about the alleged extrajudicial killings.

The former president added that the matter should be brought before the courts, as that is the proper forum for such matters.

At a committee hearing last Tuesday, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas moved to invite the two personalities central to the past administration’s drug war.

Duterte is believed to be responsible for the killings that paved the way for resource persons to support alleged human rights victims, like National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) secretary general Kristina Conti, who said they believe Duterte should be held accountable.

It was Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who chairs the House committee on human rights, who asked Conti and the group Rise Up for Life and for Rights regarding Duterte’s possible accountability.

For his part, Dela Rosa said he also would not attend the House probe upon the advice of Senate President Francis Escudero, in order to observe inter-parliamentary courtesy.

Dela Rosa said he sought Escudero’s guidance following the recent developments in the lower house, although he clarified that he has not received an official invitation yet from the House committee on human rights.

“I sought the advice of the Senate President on what to do. I don’t have any problem; I can face them anytime. But still, I have to follow the guidance of the Senate President, being a member of the institution, the Senate of the Philippines. I have to follow his guidance,” Dela Rosa said in a recent radio interview.

The House committee on human rights has summoned Duterte and Dela Rosa to attend its probe into the alleged crimes against humanity during the previous