FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte must be held fully accountable for the extra-judicial killings resulting from his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
In his opening statement at the hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on 28 October 2024, Duterte took full responsibility for police operations that resulted in deaths during his administration. His selective, even conditional, acceptance of responsibility exposes a troubling standard of accountability. His rhetoric fostered a culture of violence among those who implemented his war on drugs.
By asserting “full responsibility” while framing the policy as lawful and necessary, Duterte dismisses the widespread harm inflicted on countless innocent lives. Cases like the tragic death of Kian delos Santos—a young student killed in an operation where abuse of power was clear—underscore the painful human cost of policies that blurred the line between law enforcement and outright abuse.
The prosecution and conviction of the officers involved in Kian’s death is a testament to the need for accountability. Yet, Duterte’s insistence on distancing himself from specific abuses reveals his unwillingness to address the broader impacts of his policies.
The Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) strongly condemns Duterte’s theatrics at the 28 October 2024 hearing. His unbecoming and disrespectful conduct reflects his real character. As a former head of state, Duterte’s disregard for decorum sets a troubling precedent for public accountability.
Duterte’s evasive and combative tone contradicts the spirit of democratic institutions like the Senate, where transparency, respect, and responsibility should prevail. Such actions convey that leadership can operate above scrutiny, diminishing the standards expected of any public servant. By behaving this way, Duterte disrespects the Senate’s authority and erodes public trust in government, which should be built upon integrity, humility, and adherence to the rule of law.
Unfortunately, the Senate may have become a witting participant in Duterte’s charade, which now tarnished its reputation as an independent institution. It did not help that Duterte’s perceived allies in the chamber took turns to continue enabling his behavior. Duterte’s unchecked conduct not only undermines the Senate’s authority but also promotes the culture of impunity that threatens the foundation of democratic governance. By failing to address Duterte’s callous behavior, the Senate is implicitly endorsing this dangerous precedent, one that signals to the public that accountability is optional to those in positions of power.
UPLM calls on Senator Koko Pimentel and the Senate leadership to hold Duterte accountable for his conduct and to apply appropriate disciplinary measures. The Senate must protect its dignity and ensure that all individuals, regardless of former status, respect its authority.
UPLM calls on Congress– the Senate and House of Representatives to submit all sworn testimonies of persons appearing in their hearings, including that of former President Duterte, to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for consideration and the Department of Justice to cooperate in the tribunal’s ongoing investigation.
UPLM urges Congress to uphold the principles of justice and accountability. No official should be exempt from scrutiny, and full accountability for national policies should extend beyond words to meaningful legal processes. It may sound trite, but it is still true “Ours is a government of laws and not of men.” Command responsibility, therefore, holds Duterte fully accountable for the drug war killings.
We call on President Bongbong Marcos for the Philippines’ return to the Rome Statute of the ICC to categorically demonstrate our nation’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability mechanisms for our leaders now and in the future.
In a civilized society, there is no room for impunity.
ANTONIO C. AZARCON
UPLM Chair
Mobile No. 09199124767
ARVIN DEXTER M. LOPOZ
UPLM Spokesperson
Mobile No. 09260583543
