THE House Committee on Human Rights has decided to invite former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to attend its June 26 hearing on the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJK) linked to the previous administration’s war on drugs.
During the third hearing on Tuesday, committee chair Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. suggested inviting Duterte and Dela Rosa to listen to the testimonies of the victims’ families.
“We have informed the former president of this hearing so he knows,” Abante said. “For the fourth hearing, I will be inviting Sen. Bato dela Rosa and the former president to come and listen to your testimony.”
The decision came after a discussion where Abante asked National Union of People’s Lawyers-National Capital Region Secretary General Kristina Conti and Rubilyn Litao from Rise Up for Life and for Rights about their belief in the former president’s responsibility for the killings.
“Naniniwala kami na dahil sa polisiya ng war on drugs o tokhang ng dating Pangulong Duterte kaya po naganap itong maraming pagpaslang,” Litao said.
Conti and Litao have been assisting hundreds of families of EJK victims, some of whom were present during the hearing to share their harrowing experiences.
Abante then addressed his colleagues, proposing the formal invitation. “I would even suggest that later on we should invite the former president. Kayo po ba handa kayong humarap sa former president pag inimbitahan natin?” he asked, to which the witnesses agreed.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas made a motion to invite Duterte and Dela Rosa, which was seconded by ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro.
“Mr. Chair, I move to invite former president Rodrigo Duterte and, of course, Senator Bato dela Rosa para po sa pagsagot sa mga issues na ina-allege, mga issues na inihahapag ng EJK victims and their families,” Brosas said.
The motion was approved without objections.
The inquiry aims to address the alleged human rights violations during Duterte’s drug war, which has been widely condemned.
Government data shows that over 6,200 drug suspects died in anti-narcotics operations from June 2016 to November 2021, but human rights organizations estimate the death toll could be more than 20,000, affecting predominantly poor communities.
Dela Rosa served as the Philippine National Police chief at the height of the drug war, a period marked by a significant increase in the number of alleged EJKs.
Abante emphasized the importance of this investigation in seeking truth and accountability.
“We are committed to protecting witnesses and supporting victims,” he said. “The House of Representatives is here to support you, to safeguard your rights, and to ensure your safety.”
