Former President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed his attendance at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation into the previous administration’s war on drugs, according to Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Duterte’s close ally and former chief implementer of the controversial campaign.
Dela Rosa shared that Duterte assured him of his participation, regardless of who presides over the hearing. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who will oversee the investigation, said invitations will be sent out to Duterte and others, including retired Police Colonel Royina Garma, former National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, former Senator Leila de Lima, Kerwin Espinosa, and the families of drug war victims.
Initially, Pimentel planned to invite Duterte only after allegations against him were presented, but following discussions with Dela Rosa, the former president will now be invited to the first hearing on October 28.
The investigation will delve into accusations surrounding extrajudicial killings and the alleged reward system for law enforcement officers during Duterte’s nationwide drug war.