MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte, former Senator Leila de Lima, relatives of alleged extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims, and 30 other individuals have been invited to attend the Senate’s probe into the previous administration’s contentious anti-drug campaign.
The Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee, led by Senator Koko Pimentel, will open its first hearing on October 28. Other notable attendees invited include former PCSO General Manager retired Police Col. Royina Garma, former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog, and family members of EJK victims.
Senator Joel Villanueva, the subcommittee’s vice chair, emphasized that Duterte’s presence brings a unique perspective to the Senate investigation, assuring he will be treated respectfully.
“Una siguro if we will be able to get the presence of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Siguro bago yun, first yun. But it’s not unusual, if you recall during the time of President Noynoy Aquino, he also appeared in the Senate,” Villanueva noted, highlighting historical precedence for a former president’s appearance at the Senate.
Villanueva also echoed Pimentel’s intent to streamline the investigation, limiting it to a few key witnesses. Pimentel indicated that three hearings should be sufficient for a thorough review of the drug war policies.
“Napag-usapan din namin ni Sen Koko ‘yung pag-imbita sa mga relevant resource persons, hindi ‘yung napakadami. Parang palengke na sa dami, hindi na maaasikaso lahat. So ‘yun ‘yung talagang goal.
Kaya ayaw namin magkaroon ng bias. And of course, napag-usapan din ‘yung participation ng dalawang senators, colleagues namin na nababanggit dun sa kabilang bahay.
I heard Sen. Bato saying he is more than willing to even answer questions coming from members of the Senate,” Villanueva shared, underscoring their aim to keep the probe focused and impartial.
As Senator Pia Cayetano, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair, is attending an international summit, Pimentel will oversee the proceedings. Villanueva confirmed the plan to invite six or seven key witnesses, including victims’ families, as recommended by Pimentel.
Villanueva also clarified that the investigation is conscious of the Senate’s 2025 budget deliberations timeline. “Yung timeline, tinitignan namin, syempre, itong deliberation rin ng budget.
Ayaw namin humati doon sa oras na igugugol namin dito sa War on Drugs hearing,” he added, aiming to balance both tasks.
The probe will start on a neutral footing, with an objective to ensure a fair and balanced investigation, according to Villanueva. “No’ng kinausap din ako ni Senate President Escudero ang marching orders niya is pag-seek ng thorough, impartial, and well-rounded investigation. So, ‘yun ‘yung gusto namin mangyari. Ayaw namin magkaroon ng bias,” he emphasized.
Although Villanueva is not a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee, Pimentel, as the Subcommittee Chair and Senate Minority Leader, requested him to serve as vice-chair, noting his past critiques of the drug war.
“All out naman yung tulong natin sa Senado, sa institution natin and I trust our chairperson, Senator Koko Pimentel, na he is in the best position to lead the Senate in the investigation, in the calling of hearing dito sa war on drugs. And if you may recall, both Senator Dela Rosa and Senator Bong Go actually asked for it, diba?” Villanueva stated, underscoring bipartisan support for the probe.