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Solons urge DOJ to file charges, jail Duterte over drug war killings
By Nidz Godino
“For all of its war on drugs successes and shortcomings, I and I alone take full legal responsibility sa lahat ng nagawa ng pulis pursuant to my order…ako ang malagot at ako ang makulong,.. ‘wag yung pulis na sumunod sa order ko,” former President Rodrigo Duterte should be imprisoned for thousands of extrajudicial killings committed during his war on drugs, House lawmakers said.
In statement, neophyte lawmakers of “Young Guns” bloc did not hold back when they said Duterte should “go to jail.”
This was their response after former president said at Senate inquiry into war on drugs that he, not police officers who followed his orders, should be detained for leading campaign.
Rep. Jude Acidre (Tingog Party-list) said even former president should not be immune from legal consequences. Now that Duterte is claiming responsibility for drug war’s effects, lawmaker stressed this provides sufficient grounds for justice system to act.
“If we truly stand by our principles of justice and rule of law, then Mr. Duterte must be held accountable…he must go to jail for these EJKs…this is not about politics; it’s about justice,” he said.
House Committee on Human Rights Chairman Rep. Bienvenido Abante (Manila, 6th District) pointed out that Duterte’s repeated calls to kill drug suspects, even those resisting arrest, had “emboldened” police officials to carry out such actions.
“Well, that would be normal statement that can be said by any leader, but we’ve seen his repeated pronouncements to “kill, kill…”he said it numerous times… emboldened Philippine National Police officers to actually kill,” he said .
He stressed Duterte’s statement claiming responsibility for all EJKs paves way for legal action both domestically and internationally.
This is particularly reinforced by House Quad Committee’s findings, uncovered multiple testimonies about former president’s alleged reward system for police officers involved in killing drug suspects, Abante said.
Despite former president’s old age, Quad Comm co-chair also said Duterte still “cannot get away from responsibility of his actions.”
In separate statement, Rep. Perci Cendaña (Akbayan Partylist) also urged Department of Justice to “act swiftly” in filing appropriate charges against Duterte and complicit officials for extrajudicial killings, following his admission of responsibility and existence of Davao Death Squad (DDS).
Meanwhile, Rep. Paolo Ortega (La Union, 1st District) said country should consider supporting International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into EJKs if domestic cases do not pan out. ICC has been examining documents and testimonies since 2018.
“If Philippine authorities do not act, ICC could be crucial avenue for justice….we must ensure accountability for lives lost and demonstrate no one is above the law,” he said.
Acidre added “ wheels of justice must take their course,” and if Duterte is proven guilty, he should go to jail.
House Quad Comm invited Duterte to attend its public hearing on October 22 regarding extrajudicial killings in war on drugs, but his legal counsel told committee that Duterte was unable to attend because he was “feeling unwell.”
| Rodrigo Duterte to skip House EJK probe on October 22The Philippine National Police said on Monday, October 21, that former President Rodrigo Duterte received the co… |
According to excuse letter, Duterte prefers to attend House’s public hearings after November 1. However, former president was present at Senate’s inquiry on October 28.
Rep. Dan Fernandez (Santa Rosa, Lone District), co-chair of mega-panel, previously said it would be “disrespectful” and “unfair” if Duterte would only attend Senate hearings.
Two members of the Senate, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Sen. Bong Go, were trusted aides of Duterte during his administration and are both implicated in extrajudicial killings and alleged reward system. Throughout first Senate hearing, they frequently defended Duterte and themselves against these allegations.
Fernandez said Duterte’s attendance on Monday is “good for all,” as it allows Congress to fully understand what “really transpired during implementation” of war on drugs.
“It is incumbent upon us to seek the truth because truth will always come out no matter how long you hide, it will always come out,” he added.
Human rights groups estimate that war on drugs has resulted in around 30,000 extrajudicial killings, while government data places number at 6,000.
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