SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has declared his readiness to lead a Senate investigation into the alleged drug war abuses, should he be appointed chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee subcommittee.
“I am ready. If two or more senators are interested in the subject matter, then I can say it is urgent and we can begin the hearing,” Pimentel said during a press briefing on Monday, October 21.
Pimentel explained that under Senate rules, the Blue Ribbon Committee has the authority to hold hearings during recess, even without referrals from the plenary. The committee chair can also form a subcommittee if they are unable to personally lead the investigation.
If designated as chair of the subcommittee, Pimentel said he would accept the role and prioritize a swift investigation. “But we have to fast-track everything. We do not really have all the time in the world because it is already budget season. I am also preparing for the budget hearing. As the minority leader, I have questions to ask. We will stay focused. We will deal only with issues relating to the drug war,” Pimentel said in mixed Filipino and English.
Pimentel outlined a structured approach to the investigation, stating, “For an orderly investigation, we also need an orderly story so we will begin with the Duterte administration at 12 noon of June 30, 2016 or even days before that…until his end of term at 12 noon of June 30, 2022.”
metrosundaily
