Rodrigo Duterte’s Senate Hearing on "War on Drugs" in 2024: A Recap

Former Philippine President’s Admission to Maintaining a Death Squad

Duterte’s Acknowledgment of Death Squads

In an unprecedented move this week, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has made headlines as he appeared in a Senate inquiry to discuss his involvement in the controversial "war on drugs" during his presidential term. At the hearing, the former president admitted that he once maintained a "death squad" of gangsters to deal with criminals when he was mayor of Davao City before becoming president.

During the inquiry, Duterte stated that the death squad consisted of seven members, including gangsters, who were tasked with eliminating criminal elements in the region. Duterte’s admission has sparked widespread discussion and raised questions about his leadership and the extent of the violence committed under his presidency.

Duterte’s Denials on Police Involvement in Drug Killings

No Authorization Given to Police

As part of the ongoing investigation, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been probing the "war on drugs" for potential war crimes. When asked about his role in the high number of killings that occurred during his tenure, Duterte emphasized under oath that he never authorized his national police chiefs to undertake extrajudicial killings.

Dela Rosa, a former police chief and current senator, responded in the negative when asked during the inquiry if Duterte had given him orders to carry out such activities. The absence of criminal complaints in Philippine courts has been highlighted as further contradicting the allegations of Duterte’s direct involvement in the deaths.

The Aftermath of the Hearing: Reactions from Key Figures

Leila de Lima on Duterte’s Accountability

Leila de Lima, one of the most fervent critics of Duterte’s policies and a former senator who once investigated the drug killings in Davao, expressed her displeasure with Duterte’s evasions during the hearing. She noted that witnesses of Duterte’s actions had been too scared to testify against him while he was in power.

De Lima’s remarks implied a potential shift in the tides of justice, suggesting that now, under new leadership and tribunal reviews, the aggregates of evidence on extrajudicial killings may finally come to light and prosecute Duterte and his associates.

Wrapping Up the 2024 Senate Hearing

Defiance and Future Implications

The hearing provided a candid look into the personal and public stances adopted by Duterte throughout his presidency. Despite his lack of involvement in authorization, Duterte’s past statements and practices have evoked significant backlash, especially from the accounts of such prominent witnesses and former associates.

Looking ahead, activists are urging more transparency and legal repercussions for the crimes alleging extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s presidency. The hearings also signify a growing intolerance towards impunity within the Philippine political structure, such that all excesses of power and corruption are increasingly brought to light.

Call to Action

Read More: Stay updated on the latest developments in the international criminal court’s (ICC) review of the Philippine government’s "war on drugs." Check out related stories for further insights.

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