Former president Rodrigo Duterte expressed his readiness to attend the ongoing quad committee hearings of the House of Representatives on extrajudicial killings. In a televised interview on October 17 with his former legal adviser Salvador Panelo, Duterte said he is willing to face the allegations and provide answers regarding his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
“Hindi ako aatras diyan. Sasagutin ko silang lahat at marami akong sasabihin sa taong bayan (I will not step back. I will answer them all and I have a lot to tell the nation),” Duterte said during Panelo’s show Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa.
Though no formal invitation has yet been extended, Duterte emphasized that he would gladly attend the hearings. “There’s still no invitation, but I would be happy to attend. It’s an institution of government. They might want me to clarify, answer, or whatever… I am ready for that,” he said.
The quad committee hearings, which have summoned key officials from Duterte’s administration, are investigating extrajudicial killings related to the war on drugs. Notable witnesses include retired police colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma and police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido. Garma has testified that there was a payout scheme for those involved in the killing of drug suspects, a claim that Duterte has vehemently denied.
In response, Duterte challenged the committee to summon him directly, stating he would answer their questions truthfully. “If it’s all about me, then they just have to call me and I will give them the answer they want to hear,” he said.
Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel previously mentioned in a Storycon interview on September 16 that the committee had extended an invitation to Duterte. He even suggested holding a hearing in Davao City, should Duterte continue to refrain from attending. Pimentel emphasized that the invitation was an opportunity for the former president to clear his name and address the testimonies presented by former officials.
Despite the allegations, Duterte remained firm in his stance, denying the existence of any reward scheme for the killing of drug offenders. He explained that what he provided to police officers was operational funding, not rewards. “No reward. I didn’t give reward,” Duterte clarified, adding that he would occasionally treat officers to meals as a gesture of appreciation for their service.
Duterte also reiterated that he never ordered the killing of drug suspects, saying, “Find them, arrest them, give them to me. But if they fight back and you see yourselves in danger, kill them.”
Reflecting on the testimonies from his former officials, Duterte expressed no surprise, acknowledging the fragile nature of political alliances and friendships.