HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader Pammy Zamora of Taguig City stated on Wednesday that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can shed light and clarify his side by attending the upcoming House Quad Comm hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 7.
“As a lawyer, ex-President Duterte has the opportunity to show Filipinos his commitment to lawful processes by participating in the Quad Comm inquiry into the war on drugs, which allegedly claimed over 30,000 lives,” said Zamora, one of the leaders of Young Guns.
Zamora added that Duterte’s attendance would “reinforce respect for the rule of law by advocating that everyone, regardless of former titles, should be willing to answer for their actions.”
The mega panel, chaired by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, had anticipated Duterte’s appearance as a resource person in the previous hearing on Oct. 22. However, Duterte declined due to health reasons.
Yet, just six days later, on Oct. 28, a seemingly energetic Duterte attended the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation of a similar nature, even stating he was prepared to answer senators’ questions until the following morning.
Zamora noted that by appearing before the Quad Comm, Duterte could dispel the impression that he favors other venues over the House of Representatives while also setting a good precedent for both incumbent and former officials”
She also emphasized that through his counsel, Atty. Martin Delgra III, Duterte had indicated his availability for a hearing after Nov. 1.
“I likewise assure that the former President would be treated with respect, and be given the opportunity to shed light on all the pressing concerns over the previous drug war,” Zamora said.
