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‘Akusado ka, judge ka rin?’: Dela Rosa’s planned probe on drug war he led is ‘improper’, says De Lima
Former Senator Leila de Lima questioned the propriety of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa's plan to investigate the drug war, given his leadership role in the campaign.
De Lima argued that Dela Rosa heading an investigation where he is implicated presents a basic ethical issue, akin to an accused acting as a judge.
She recalled refraining from cross-examining Kerwin Espinosa in past hearings when she was implicated, to maintain objectivity.
De Lima suggested that Dela Rosa's potential involvement in the Senate probe would be "katawa-tawa" (laughable).
Dela Rosa, however, stated that the Senate hearings would provide fairness to those mentioned, implying the House quad committee was too accepting of testimonies.
He also expressed belief that former President Duterte would be more willing to face a Senate hearing than a House inquiry.
De Lima countered that Duterte should also attend the House's invitation, which he has long ignored.
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Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros views former President Rodrigo Duterte as the "epitome" of the drug war and extrajudicial killings, stating she will question him in a potential Senate probe.
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Self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa alleged that Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa coerced him to implicate former Senator Leila de Lima in the illegal drug trade.
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Senator Imee Marcos suggested that the investigation into the Duterte administration's drug war should be brought to court instead of being conducted in the Senate.
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Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III believes a parallel Senate investigation into the previous administration's drug war is a "good idea" as it would allow for cross-examination to test witness credibility.
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Police Colonel Jovie Espenido confirmed that Senator Bato dela Rosa instructed him and confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa to link former Senator Leila de Lima to the illegal drug trade.
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