Former President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in the Senate Monday morning to make his first public appearance in a congressional inquiry related to the killings associated with his campaign against illegal drugs.
“I did what I had to do because I needed to. Why? To protect the people and my country,” he told reporters upon arrival. When asked if he expected fair treatment during the proceedings, he replied, “I hope so.”
Former Senator Leila de Lima also appeared at the hearing, days after attending the ninth public hearing of the House of Representatives Quad Committee on the same issue last week.
In response, Duterte stated, “I am here to account for what I did as President, so there’s no problem,” adding “the drug war is for the Filipino people to judge.”
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III presides over the hearing. In his opening statement, he urged fellow legislators to “answer the cries of justice from our people” and “reform not just the Philippine National Police (PNP), but the entire notion of public service.”
“Let us all keep an open mind. Let us follow the evidence. With thousands of deaths caused by the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, we have caused one death too many. Sobrang dami naman yata niyan para sabihin lamang na nanlaban lahat,” Pimentel said.
Duterte is facing many accusations from the victims of extrajudicial killings that happened under his administration. His war on drugs reportedly left thousands dead, which was condemned by several organizations.
The policy was introduced by Duterte in 2016 to combat illegal drug use, particularly shabu, which he claimed had worsened violence, crime, and corruption.
The campaign targeted both drug users and traffickers, with government officials stating it was essential for public safety and societal order.
In May 2022, the PNP reported 6,200 deaths in anti-drug operations, while human rights organizations estimated the death toll to be around 12,000.
In 2018, the International Criminal Court (ICC) began a preliminary examination into allegations of crimes against humanity related to the drug war. In response, Duterte announced the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, but the court continued its formal investigation, which began in 2021.
Critics argue that the campaign disproportionately affected economically disadvantaged urban populations, often targeting minor users or low-level dealers in impoverished neighborhoods.
Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Robin Padilla, and Christopher Go, who are all allied with Duterte, defended the policy. They all denied allegations of state-sanctioned killings in connection with the war on drugs.
As Duterte’s term progressed, the visibility of the anti-drug campaign diminished, and local governments began implementing drug rehabilitation programs.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. adopted a less confrontational stance regarding the drug war, emphasizing rehabilitation over violent enforcement measures.
The ICC investigation continues, but the possibility of holding Duterte or other senior officials accountable remains uncertain due to the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court and the complexities of the domestic legal framework.
