Duterte Youth Party-list Representative Drixie Cardema called on the House quad-committee to invite victims of drug suspects to participate in the ongoing hearings to promote fairness in the proceedings.
Cardema mentioned that the Filipino people support former President Rodrigo Duterte's efforts to crack down on criminals, drug users, and NPA terrorists, stating that this is why he was elected and remains well-loved by the public.
This is why, according to her, it is crucial to have a fair hearing. She suggested that thousands of victims of drug suspects across the country should also have been invited to participate.
"Libo-libo rin ang kanilang mga magulang at mahal sa buhay na wala dito ngayon," Cardema said in her manifestation during the hearing on Wednesday.
She further stated that the drug war implemented by Duterte was merely a policy. It would not have been carried out without Congress funding it for six years.
"Bakit walang nag-iimbestiga dito o nag-iimbita sa atin sa sobrang raming Pilipino na biniktima ng mga durugista?" said Cardema.
Additionally, Cardema also suggested that progressive congress members should address the killings carried out by communist forces.
"And lastly, sa mga Kongresista na kaalyado ng mga NPA, mahiya naman tayo sa topic ng pagpatay dahil kayo mismo, hindi kayo nagsasalita sa pagpatay ng NPA sa mga pulis, sundalo, at [ma]mamayang Pilipino, pati rin po sa mga natitirang resource person na gustong mag-abogada papunta ICC," Cardema stated.
Solons' reaction to Cardema's manifestation
Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop disagreed with Cardema, stating that her remarks reflect a lack of understanding of the rules being enacted in the Congress proceedings.
He stated that if Cardema wants an investigation, she should file a resolution, which could then be referred to the appropriate committee to ensure fairness.
This sentiment was echoed by House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chairperson and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers, who stated that if she wants to make invitations, she should attend the hearing.
"Following the suggestion of Cong. Acop, kung mayroon kayong gustong ipa-imbita, mag-attend kayo ng hearing. Hindi yung aattend kayo kapag nandito lang ang dating pangulo at ang ating bise presidente," said Barbers.
He added that the quad-committee announces all its hearings, and that the committee expects their attendance at the hearings and instructed them to submit to the committee secretary the names of individuals they wish to invite.
