The Senate’s ongoing investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war is expected to continue in mid-November, according to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III confirmed the tentative schedule, suggesting hearings could be held in the mornings alongside ongoing budget discussions.
Dela Rosa indicated that Duterte might not be summoned for this session, saying, “He already aired his side and answered all the questions.” However, he clarified that Duterte could be called back if new serious allegations arise. Last week, Duterte appeared before the Senate probe, admitting to authorizing a death squad and ordering police to kill criminals during his tenure.
The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on testimonies from key figures such as retired Police Colonel and former PCSO general manager Royina Garma and ex-National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo. Garma previously testified in the House that Duterte’s drug war was modeled after the Davao approach, a system where police officers received financial rewards ranging from PHP 20,000 to PHP 1 million per drug suspect killed.
Further corroborating this model, two prisoners testified earlier that they were ordered by Duterte to execute three Chinese drug convicts. These revelations come as human rights groups claim that the number of killings under Duterte’s war on drugs may have reached 30,000—far higher than the 6,200 reported by the government from 2016 to 2021. The International Criminal Court is also investigating Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.