Former President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that he takes full responsibility for all actions taken by the police during the implementation of the campaign against illegal drugs under his administration.
"I, and I alone, take full legal responsibility sa lahat ng nagawa ng mga pulis pursuant to my order," Duterte said during the Senate hearing on Monday.
"Ako ang managot at ako ang makulong," he added.
Duterte emphasized that his work as president was not easy. However, he insisted that he did his best to address the problem of illegal drugs firmly and without compromise, acknowledging both its successes and shortcomings.
He further stated that blame should not be placed on the police officers who simply followed his orders, noting that they were just doing their jobs and were the ones who deserved compassion.
This is also the message he wants to convey to every Filipino, and he stated that it was beneficial for him to be invited to the ongoing hearing, allowing him to express his views.
"Yun ang gusto kong sabihin sa mga Pilipino at mabuti niyaya niyo ako dito," said Duterte.
"Once and for all, 'yan ang gusto kong sabihin sa tao," he added.
Duterte reaffirmed his strong opposition to drugs, stating that he has made it a point to emphasize this message since the beginning of his campaign for the presidency in 2016.
He further insisted that he told the police not to abuse their authority and power. He clarified that he has never allowed any abuse by police officers or soldiers throughout his life, whether during his time as mayor or during his presidency.
He previously stated that he pursued the implementation of the "War on Drugs" to safeguard the people and his country, stating that he only did what he had to do.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is conducting a motu proprio inquiry into the extrajudicial killings that occurred during the Duterte administration's campaign against illegal drugs.
