Opposition lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc urged former President Rodrigo Duterte to halt his alleged disruptive plans and focus on addressing the victims of his administration’s drug war. Representatives Raoul Manuel, Arlene Brosas, and France Castro criticized Duterte’s expected visit to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling it an attempt to overshadow a planned Mass for healing for the drug war victims.
Gabriela party-list Representative Brosas, serving as House Assistant Minority Leader, stated that Duterte’s visit would be a distraction from the purpose of the day, which is dedicated to victims. “It’s clear he has no business here tomorrow,” she said. “There’s no hearing scheduled. The day is meant to honor the voices of the victims of the war on drugs.”
Duterte’s former spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, indicated that Duterte’s visit was meant to confront the Quad Committee (QuadComm) about the rescheduling of its probe on the drug war. Duterte’s camp was informed of this postponement on November 11, but he reportedly plans to visit anyway.
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro condemned the visit as a publicity stunt, suggesting that Duterte’s actions show a lack of accountability. “People are fed up with this drama,” Castro said. “He needs to face the public and take responsibility for the consequences of his drug war.”
Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel echoed the call for accountability, saying Duterte should attend any formal hearings on the drug war rather than creating distractions. “If he’s the center of anything, it’s the bloody drug war. He should answer to his role in the directives that encouraged police to kill suspects for rewards,” Manuel said, referring to retired Police Colonel Royina Garma’s testimony on the alleged incentive policy for police killings.
The House QuadComm postponed its drug war probe to November 21, citing the need to verify the credibility of those who plan to testify