The much-awaited appearance of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the House of Representatives’ four-committee hearing Tuesday did not happen. The 79-year-old former chief executive, through his lawyer, sent word that he was unwell and needed to rest.
The Quad committee spent considerable time debating whether Mr. Duterte should be required to submit a medical certificate to support his absence, or whether some courtesy should be extended to him as former president. In the end, it was resolved that the hearings would be extended to afford Duterte the opportunity to show up – he did say he would be willing to do so next month.
The accusations he now has to address are mounting. During Tuesday’s hearing, former Senator Leila de Lima presented her findings when, as chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, she investigated the Davao Death Squad. De Lima showed payment schemes and referred to burial sites. It is not a stretch to imagine that these were the reasons for De Lima’s implication in drug charges that kept her in jail for seven years.
The hearings are certain to expose many other secrets, provide incriminating details, and affirm many other suspicions.
Mr. Duterte should shed all excuses and prepare to answer the questions pertaining to the drug war. All these are important to form a clear, complete picture of what truly happened during the period in question.
Unless, of course, he does not want the lawmakers and the public to have a clear, complete picture because it would not be to his own interest.
The former president is known for his tough talk but is also notorious for choosing the venues in which he would talk. He prefers to be unchallenged, uncontested. Remember the aimless midnight addresses during the height of the pandemic.
This now is a good opportunity for him to disprove that he is the malevolent Superman referred to in the testimonies, and that he used so-called “intelligence funds” from his office
With only this information, it is also not a stretch to imagine why the Dutertes craved huge amounts in funds that they would not be required to account for.
To be “unwell” can refer to many things. One may be unwell physically because of sickness or old age. But being unwell can also pertain to a skewed appreciation of what must be done, or what must not be. The squid-ink tactics and the tough-guy talk have run their course. Continued contempt of institutions and democratic processes will not be to the advantage of Mr. Duterte.
