Senator Risa Hontiveros insists that former President Rodrigo Duterte should face criminal charges for the implementation of the "war on drugs" during his Administration, which has been linked to thousands of reported deaths.
"Kung ‘yung libo-libong EJKs na iyan ay ginawa dahil sa explicit na utos ng Presidente gaya ng inamin na ng ilang mga police whistleblowers, dapat held criminally responsible si Duterte bilang principal by inducement sa mga pagpatay na ito," Hontiveros said during an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Wednesday.
"Gaya ng sinabi ni SP Chiz, dahil lahat ng mga admission at confession ni Duterte sa Senado ay under oath, hindi niya pwedeng sabihin na ito ay biro o figure of speech lang, pwede itong gamitin sa pagsasampa ng kaso laban sa kaniya," she added.
Hontiveros emphasized that Duterte should be aware of the consequences of his statements, given that he is a lawyer and has previously served as a prosecutor in the country.
She further stated that in continuing the hearings, she seeks justice and reform, not revenge. She expressed her commitment to being patient alongside other senators in the investigation and assured that they would respect the law.
"Dapat munang managot sa batas ng tao [si dating Pang. Rodrigo Duterte] bago sa parusa ng impyerno na sabi niya ay pupuntahan daw niya," said Hontiveros.
She stated that it is clear Duterte admitted to organizing a death squad in Davao City, with Philippine National Police chiefs allegedly serving as leaders of the group.
"Kahit sa mga partikular na naging biktima, hindi rin uubra ‘yung palusot ni Duterte na wala siyang pananagutan o guilt doon sa pagkamatay nina Kian Delos Santos, Karl Arnaiz, si 'Kulot', at iba pang batang biktima ng war on drugs," said Hontiveros.
According to Hontiveros, despite his frequent use of profanity, Duterte must answer the questions thrown at him and face the accusations regarding his violations of the law.
Hontiveros also expressed hope that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate and review Duterte's confessions made during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday.
She also extended her gratitude to Senate President Chiz Escudero for supporting her in reprimanding Duterte for his continuous cursing during the hearing.
What to expect in the next Senate Committee hearing
Hontiveros noted that the Senate will seek to unveil more evidence during their upcoming scheduled hearings.
It is still uncertain whether Duterte will be invited again to future hearings, but it is possible that he may not return.
"Kasama po [sa iimbitahan] si Dra. Raquel Fortun na nag-exhume noon at hanggang ngayon ay nag-aautopsy ng mga victim," Hontiveros stated.
"Magsasalita pa ang Night Crawlers, sina Vincent Go, Raffy Lerma. Talagang sa kabila ng napakapait na kanilang dinodokumento, patuloy ang photojournalism nila noon sa mga EJKs," she added.
Hontiveros also mentioned that former Senator Leila de Lima is expected to return, as she is currently completing her studies. De Lima will connect the extrajudicial killings to Duterte's time as mayor of Davao and his Presidency.
