Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero revealed on Friday that he is considering the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to lead the motu proprio investigation into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Escudero explained that only the Blue Ribbon panel holds the authority to launch such an investigation without a formal complaint.
While not final, Escudero stated that the investigation would likely proceed under the Blue Ribbon Committee while Congress is in recess. However, once the Senate resumes session, the Justice and Human Rights Committee, chaired by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, may handle the probe.
Escudero also acknowledged Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros’ suggestion to convene the Senate Committee of the Whole for the investigation, citing its potential to demonstrate the importance of the issue.
The investigation comes in response to growing scrutiny over the drug war, with human rights groups estimating that up to 30,000 individuals may have been killed, despite official government reports listing around 6,200 deaths.
Escudero is also consulting with Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, both of whom played significant roles in the Duterte administration. Go, who filed the resolution calling for an inquiry, refuted claims of a reward system for drug-related killings, while dela Rosa, the architect of the drug war, also denied knowledge of such a system.
The final decision on the Senate’s approach to the investigation will be made following further discussions with lawmakers.