Former President Rodrigo Duterte will not attend the ongoing House hearings on alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration’s war on drugs, according to his former chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo. In a message to GMA News Online, Panelo explained that Duterte sees the proceedings as a “useless exercise,” citing that resource persons are often not allowed to fully explain their side.
The House joint committees had invited Duterte after former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog claimed his inclusion in Duterte’s narcolist was politically motivated due to his lack of support during the 2016 elections. Manila Representative Benny Abante, co-chair of the House Quad Committee, emphasized the importance of hearing Duterte’s side regarding the allegations.
Panelo dismissed Mabilog’s claims as “nonsense” and maintained that Duterte supported all local government heads, regardless of their stance during the election. He added that Mabilog should face prosecution if evidence exists regarding his alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
Despite Duterte’s refusal to participate, the House committees have assured that they will not cite him in contempt or issue a show-cause order.