Duterte skips House probe on drug war, cites Senate testimony

Former President Rodrigo Duterte will not attend the House of Representatives quad committee's probe into his administration's war on drugs, stating that his testimony at the Senate hearing would suffice.

His lawyer, Atty. Martin Delgra III, cited Duterte's doubts about the integrity and independence of the Quad Committee and expressed concern over how it allegedly "persuades" individuals to admit matters under oath, calling it a potential case of subornation.

Delgra reiterated that Duterte views the inquiry as a political ploy aimed at indicting him for crimes he denies committing.

Duterte previously appeared before a Senate hearing on October 28, where he extensively discussed and shared his knowledge on the alleged extrajudicial killings during his administration.

His lawyer suggested that the transcript of the Senate hearing be made available to the Quad Committee to save the government time and taxpayer's money.

Lawmakers had initially expressed optimism about Duterte's attendance, promising a serious and respectful conduct of the hearing.

Key witnesses presented before the quad-committee have previously made accusations linking Duterte to complicity in the drug war.