House won't ask med certificate from Rodrigo Duterte for EJK probe absence

MANILA, Philippines — During the House probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war and its extrajudicial killings, the request for a medical certificate to justify his absence sparked debate among House leaders.

At the ninth public hearing of the House quadcom on Tuesday, October 22, Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod Partylist) was quick to point out the absence of a medical certificate verifying Duterte's current health condition.

He also noted the letter submitted by Duterte's legal counsel, Martin Delgra, lacked authorization from the former president granting Delgra permission to represent him at the hearings. 

Delgra informed the mega panel on Monday evening that the former president would postpone his appearance at the House inquiry because he is “feeling unwell.”

RELATED: Rodrigo Duterte to skip House EJK probe on October 22 

Before any lawmaker could make a motion for Duterte to provide a medical certificate and authorization for Delgra, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte, 2nd District), the overall chairperson of the House committee, swiftly came to Duterte’s defense.

“In deference to the former president, I think we should afford him the courtesy that is due to him by not requiring him to submit to this committee a medical certificate,” he said, citing Duterte's “fragile age” and health issues.

“So, if I may, your Honor, let us not pursue the submission of [a] medical certificate from the former president,” Barbers added. 

A shocked Paduano argued that the House rules clearly require resource persons, who cannot attend due to health issues, to provide an explanation.

“Mr. Chairman, we have our internal rules,” he said.

What do the House Rules say? Rep. Dan Fernandez (Santa Rosa, Lone District), one of the co-chairs, expressed a similar concern, saying that Section 9 of the House Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation stipulates that excuses must be “supported by appropriate medical or other certification.”

He also emphasized the provision about the maximum number of absences: “Provided further, That no witness shall be granted more than two (2) postponements of appearance before the committee without