FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte is open to appearing before the House’s quad committee hearing to face allegations that he masterminded the extrajudicial killings during his administration’s “war on drugs.”
“Let’s see. Why not? Yes. What do they want to learn from me?” Duterte told the media in a press briefing on Saturday evening, Oct. 5.
“If they invite me, I just hope they ask educated questions,” he added.
When questioned about the probe into alleged extrajudicial killings, Duterte acknowledged their existence but denied any operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) in Davao.
The quad comm is also investigating crimes linked to illegal POGO operators and illegal drugs.
“(They are investigating the extrajudicial killings). That’s true. As for POGO, I have nothing to do with that. I’m not even familiar with how to play POGO,” he stated.
Previously, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte, committee on dangerous drugs chairperson, hoped that the former president would clarify issues surrounding his administration’s war on drugs.
Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, committee on public order and safety chair, also wanted to understand the rationale behind Duterte’s executive order allowing licensed gaming operators to run POGOs.
Regarding the treatment of former police officials being questioned in Congress, Duterte said, “They will have my legal support. I’ll leave it to the lawyers since I’m not a practicing lawyer. All I can do is provide them with legal counsel.”
He added, “I will support the police and military, especially in the performance of their duties.”
Commenting on Congress, he remarked, “I suggest they abolish the NBI and the police. That’s my suggestion.”
