Former President Rodrigo Duterte formally makes his presence felt at the resumption of the House Quad Committee hearing on Wednesday, November 13, to deliver his own narrative of the ‘war on drugs’ policy during his administration.
Duterte is among the key personalities expected to testify at the joint congressional probe, about two weeks after appearing in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. He is attending the hearing with his lawyer Martin Delgra III.
Also joining the former president are key members of his administration including his Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, and former Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chief Silvestre Bello III.
Duterte said Panelo and Bello are attending the hearing as part of his legal team with Delgra.
Former Senator Leila de Lima is also present with the families of victims of extrajudicial killings and human rights advocates as well as lawyers representing their cases.
In his opening statement, Quad Comm lead chairperson and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers vowed to respect the rights of the former president, emphasizing that the public hearing is being conducted not to pass judgment on him or his policies.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story.
