THE findings of the House Committee on Human Rights could serve as evidence in the International Criminal Court (ICC) probe into alleged crimes against humanity by former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte and other officials of his administration.
Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez gave this assurance during Monday’s hearing of the committee’s inquiry into the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) related to the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs.
“The outcome of this investigation can be used in filing in different courts, and can be used also as evidence in the ICC,” Fernandez said, after former senator Leila De Lima—who testified before the committee for the first time—expressed concerns about thoroughness and impact of local investigations into the bloody drug war of the previous administration.
Fernandez’s assurance also addressed recent comments by Duterte’s former police chief, now Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who questioned the House panel’s authority to conduct the probe.
“We are an independent body, and we are discussing this thoroughly. It will be dependent on the chairman what to do with the committee report. And that can be used by anybody, particularly those victims of the [war on drugs],” Fernandez said, indicating willingness to cooperate with international bodies, potentially diverging from the executive department’s stance of non-cooperation with the ICC.
De Lima pointed out the ICC’s concerns regarding the adequacy of local investigations.
She stressed that without actual criminal proceedings, the ICC investigation would not cease.
“Masyado po silang nakukulangan,” she said, referring to the ICC’s assessment that local processes lacked “tangible, concrete, and progressive investigative steps.”
Meanwhile, committee chairperson Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante expressed disappointment over the absence of crucial witnesses, such as Duterte and Dela Rosa.
“We have sought to invite all those who can shed light on the different facets of this issue. Which is why it is regrettable that despite the assurances this committee has given, some key personalities have not taken the opportunity to air their side on the issue that had been raised,” Abante said.
Addressing his colleagues and the public, Abante reiterated the committee’s dedication to impartiality.
“This committee does not want to be one-sided, and to avoid this, we have endeavored to hear all sides. The integrity of this inquiry depends on obtaining all the facts and hearing all the perspectives,” Abante stressed.
Abante also responded to Dela Rosa’s recent media statements questioning the authority of the committee to investigate.
“I would like to answer the question of authority raised by Sen. Bato dela Rosa, that this committee does not have any right to investigate. Well, let me tell the good senator, you’re a senator—we have the right according to our rules. You have been interviewed in the media, how I wish that you can be here and make it clear to us,” Abante said.
He cited past statements, including that of Police Col. Jovie Espenido, one of the poster boys of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, who admitted human rights violations during his tenure.
Abante also referenced Dela Rosa’s public admissions of such violations during his time as director general of the Philippine National Police, which he termed as “collateral damage.”
At this juncture, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro sought clarification on the committee’s invitations to former President Duterte.
Abante confirmed the continued efforts to involve Duterte in the inquiry.
“I made a statement that if former President Duterte will not be able to come—and he has already manifested that he is not coming—we will still write him a letter to come,” Abante said.
“But I would not want to go into a show-cause order for the president, being the former president. But we are going to continue inviting him to come, including Sen. Bato Dela Rosa,” he added.
Abante stressed the importance of participation from all relevant parties to ensure justice and accountability.
“We do not want to be biased in this situation, let us reaffirm our commitment to justice and the rule of law,” Abante pointed out.
He added: “Our work here is proof of our commitment to uncover the truth and to exact accountability. It is evidence of our commitment to ensure that the rights and dignity of every individual are respected, of our commitment to uphold human rights.”
