Former President Rodrigo Duterte once again declined the invitation from the House Quad Committee, which is investigating extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to his administration's anti-drug war, among other issues.
In a letter on Wednesday, Duterte's lawyer, Martin Delgra III, stated that while his client respects the Committee's authority to conduct the investigation, he cannot attend the public hearing for three reasons:
"First, with all due respect, my client is already doubtful as to the Honorable House Quad Committee’s integrity, independence, and probity to conduct the legislative inquiry in aid of legislation. While my client’s attendance is supposedly for him to provide valuable insights and to shed light on issues under discussion particularly on extra-judicial killings, it is apparent that the inquiry is a mere political ploy aimed to indict him for crime or crimes he did not commit," the letter reads.
"Second, my client is likewise gravely concerned on how the Honorable House Quad Committee tried to persuade, if not unduly pressure, resource persons to admit matters under oath they lack knowledge of or worse, unduly induce them to say something not true before the joint committee inquiry. My client, a former city prosecutor, even offered an opinion that it was a case of subornation, an act of inducing someone to commit perjury. Said statement if indeed true, casts doubt as to the Honorable House Quad Committee’s integrity and impartiality," it furthered.
"Third, my client has already appeared before the Honorable Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (Subcommittee on the Philippine War on Illegal Drugs) last 28 October 2024. In the said hearing which lasted for almost nine (9) hours, my client extensively discussed and shared his knowledge as to the alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration. More importantly, he gave valuable inputs on how to strengthen the war on illegal drugs, a demonizing element and national menace."
Duterte through his lawyer suggested the House to "save time" and make the transcript available of the recent hearing where he was present citing Senator Aquillino "Koko" Pimentel's statement on the availability of the transcript.
Last month, the former President was invited by the House Quad Committee to "provide valuable insights" related to its ongoing investigation but he declined.
On October 28, Duterte presented in a Senate hearing. He admitted that he had organized a seven-man hit squad when he was the mayor of Davao City.
Duterte also revealed that he refrained from involving police officers, as they might face suspension if operations were questioned. He clarified that the term "death squad" was loosely used, and mentioned that all former national police chiefs—including now-Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, retired police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, retired Gen. Archie Gamboa, and retired Gen. Debold Sinas—had led similar squads.
However, he emphasized that he had never ordered the summary execution of anyone, explaining that his directive was to provoke suspects to resist arrest, which could then justify using lethal force.
The House Quad Committee hearing is scheduled for November 7, at 9:30 a.m.
