President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said it will be up to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to evaluate the House Quad Committee’s (QuadComm) recommendation to file charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies over the previous administration’s war on drugs.
“The DOJ will determine whether it is time to file cases, identify what cases to pursue, and assess how to build them,” Marcos stated in an ambush interview on Thursday.
Charges and Allegations
The QuadComm recommended charges against Duterte, Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Bong Go, and other officials for alleged violations of the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
The committee’s investigation focused on deaths linked to the anti-drug campaign and issues surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Official records cite 6,200 drug war deaths, but human rights groups estimate up to 30,000 deaths, including unreported cases.
DOJ and EJK Task Force Action
Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez stated that the DOJ has yet to formally receive the QuadComm’s recommendations. However, once received, the DOJ will consolidate the report with evidence gathered by its Extrajudicial Killings (EJK) task force. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may also issue subpoenas to those who testified before the QuadComm.
Asked if former President Duterte could be subpoenaed, DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres said the possibility would be considered.
Duterte Camp Responds
Dela Rosa dismissed the move as politically motivated, saying, “They are moving heaven and earth to make life difficult for us… We will face it once the DOJ files the case.”
Bong Go echoed Duterte’s past statements, leaving the matter to the courts while highlighting the improvements in peace and order during Duterte’s term. Meanwhile, Representative Paolo Duterte expressed confidence in clearing their name, stressing the need for credible evidence.
International Implications
While the QuadComm report may overlap with evidence sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Vasquez reiterated that the ICC has no jurisdiction in the Philippines but noted that they could use the same witnesses.
Next Steps
The DOJ assured that only cases supported by sufficient evidence would proceed. “We will not file harassment cases. But if evidence warrants, we will hold people accountable,” Andres said.
As investigations deepen, the case continues to spark debates about accountability, justice, and the legacy of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.