MANILA (UPDATE) — Sen. Risa Hontiveros has called for the Senate Committee of the Whole to take the lead in investigating the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, as she believes this will ensure a more thorough and impartial inquiry.
This proposal came after Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa suggested his own panel oversee the hearings, raising concerns due to his pivotal role in implementing the campaign.
“Ipapanukala ko po sa Senate leadership na magkaroon ng Senate Committee of the Whole kung saan buong Senado ang mag-iimbestiga sa war on drugs ng nakaraang administrasyon,” Hontiveros stated.
According to Hontiveros, a Committee of the Whole investigation would help provide a safer platform for victims and survivors to come forward and share their experiences.
“Dahil sa pamamagitan niyang Senate Committee of the Whole, umaasa ako na mas panatag at mas mai-engganyo rin na sumali at tumestigo ang victim survivors ng war on drugs. Dapat marinig natin sila para malaman natin ang buong katotohanan,” she added.
Hontiveros pointed out that the Senate President typically chairs the Committee of the Whole, which also handles the issuance of invitations to witnesses and resource persons.
Dela Rosa, however, emphasized his close friendship with Hontiveros, noting that he and her late husband, Francisco Baraquel Jr., were batchmates at the Philippine Military Academy.
Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos suggested that instead of conducting hearings in Congress, drug war cases should be referred to the Department of Justice or the courts.
“Unang una dapat para sa akin dalhin na sa korte yan, di naman kami marunong, di naman kami pwedeng manghatol… So perhaps it’s important that we bring it to court,” Marcos commented.
“I’m very very protective also of the institutions involved, yung trabaho ng Senado, iba yung trabaho namin sa korte… Maliwanag sa akin ang papel ko eh. Mambabatas tayo. Di naman ako maghuhusga,” she further explained.
The idea of a Senate-led investigation followed exposés by the House Quad Committee, which accused former President Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Bong Go, and Dela Rosa of encouraging killings during the drug war — allegations that the two senators denied.
Leaders of the Quad Committee have since backed Hontiveros’ call for a full Senate investigation.
Co-chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers highlighted the significance of the Senate inquiry in uncovering the truth behind the anti-drug campaign’s operations.
“Suportado namin itong panawagan ni Sen. Hontiveros na ipursige ang Senate Committee of the Whole investigation sa EJKs ng drug war ng nakaraang administrasyon. We are very pleased that both Houses of Congress are of one mind in this,” Barbers said.
While official government data places the death toll from the drug war at 6,181, various human rights organizations believe the number could be as high as 30,000, including innocent civilians. They also allege widespread corruption among security forces who acted with impunity.