The PDP Laban party, chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte, has denounced the House Quad Committee’s (QuadComm) recommendation to file charges against Duterte and several allies, including Senators Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go, for alleged crimes during the previous administration’s controversial war on drugs.
In a statement released Thursday, PDP Laban called the recommendation politically motivated and claimed it lacked “clear legal and evidentiary basis.” The party alleged that testimonies during the 13 QuadComm hearings were coerced, with resource persons threatened with contempt if they did not comply with the committee’s narrative.
Allegations of Bias and Demolition Job
PDP Laban accused QuadComm of conducting a biased investigation and suggested the probe was part of a broader effort to undermine Duterte and his allies ahead of the 2025 elections.
The party also pointed to a separate investigation by another House committee into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education, saying it demonstrated a targeted attack against their camp.
“This clearly shows that the House of Representatives has launched a carefully planned, well-funded, but poorly executed demolition job,” PDP Laban said.
They added, “No amount of black propaganda or disinformation can ever change the unprecedented anti-crime legacy of the Duterte administration.”
President Marcos’ Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintained that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would ultimately determine whether charges should be filed, stating that Congress has fulfilled its oversight function by making recommendations.
“It’s the Department of Justice who has to make the assessment. The QuadComm made recommendations, and that is the process,” Marcos said.
Context of the Drug War Deaths
Police records list 6,200 deaths from the drug war, but human rights groups estimate the figure to be as high as 30,000, raising concerns about potential human rights violations.
As the 2025 elections approach, the fallout from the investigations may further intensify political divisions, with the Duterte camp firmly defending its legacy amid calls for accountability.