Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel announced he sees no immediate need for former President Rodrigo Duterte to appear in upcoming Senate hearings on his administration’s drug war campaign. Pimentel, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee overseeing the probe, indicated that he would only consider Duterte’s return if other senators saw it necessary.
During a recent hearing, Duterte reiterated he would take “full legal responsibility” for his controversial anti-drug efforts, even admitting to a “death squad” composed of individuals he referred to as “gangsters.” In response to these disclosures, Pimentel assured that the committee has ample material to review, which legal experts will carefully examine.
The subcommittee also anticipates appearances from retired police colonels Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo, who were summoned for their involvement in earlier testimonies. Garma previously alleged that Duterte extended a “Davao model” nationwide, incentivizing officers financially for eliminating drug suspects. Duterte denied the claim, while Leonardo acknowledged hearing of the reward system but denied personal involvement.
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito voiced his belief that the Senate should conclude the probe, suggesting it’s beyond Congress’s purview and should be handled by the Department of Justice. Pimentel acknowledged Ejercito’s perspective but noted that the body would need to deliberate further.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, however, expressed opposition to ending the probe, underscoring the need for testimonies from key individuals such as Garma and alleged drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa.