Duterte, Bato to be invited in Pogo-drug trade probe

Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald dela Rosa will be invited to House committee hearings investigating links between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hubs and the illegal drug trade.

The House committees on human rights, dangerous drugs, public order and safety, and good government and public accountability will jointly conduct the hearings.

Duterte and dela Rosa were previously invited to hearings on extrajudicial killings related to the previous administration's drug war but did not attend.

Committee chairs stated that Duterte will be invited again to allow him to defend himself against accusations and answer questions.

Senator dela Rosa, a key figure in the past administration's drug war, will also be formally invited to the upcoming hearings.