No contempt citations for ex-president Duterte as he refrains from swearing at House drug war probe

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives saw quite a toned-down but more gutsy version of former President Rodrigo Duterte as he refrained from swearing at the House probe into his bloody anti-narcotics campaign.

Unlike the Senate’s parallel inquiry, which Duterte first attended, the House Quad Committee was firm in its word that they would not tolerate profanity-laced responses from the former president.

The mega panel’s chairmen gave him a stern warning as early as their opening remarks, saying that lawmakers will make a point of order should he disrespect the committee.

Rep. Bienvenido Abante (Manila, 6th District) and Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod Party) consistently held Duterte down at every turn he made to violate the House rules.

During most interpellations, Duterte engaged in heated exchanges with lawmakers as he attempted to indirectly answer questions, divert the discussion and interrupt them mid-sentence. 

The overall chair, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao Del Norte, 2nd District), had also listened to every point of order made by his committee members.   

“Please do not answer queries or talk otherwise you are being recognized by the chairman,” Paduano reiterated as he was unyielding to Duterte’s constant attempts to interrupt lawmakers. 

Duterte even apologized to Rep. Dan Fernandez (Santa Rosa, Lone District), saying that he respects the committee and actually fears them. 

This stood in stark contrast to the Senate, which had been lenient with Duterte, allowing him to speak freely and go off on tangents as much as he pleased.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, however, urged Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee Chair Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III to put an end to Duterte’s ongoing profanity. 

Pimentel, however, denied the request, believing it was necessary to allow Duterte to explain himself in the manner he was most comfortable with.

But it appears that Duterte is able to speak in a calm demeanor, as seen at the House probe. No lawmakers at the hearing also defended him or invalidated the testimonies of other resource persons.

At the Senate inquiry, Sen. Bato dela Rosa and Sen. Bong Go — who were among the individuals facing allegations of