No need to invite Duterte again to drug war hearings, says Pimentel

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III stated there is no need to invite former President Rodrigo Duterte to future hearings concerning the drug war.

Duterte previously appeared at the Senate to discuss and defend the anti-narcotics campaign, which resulted in over 6,000 deaths of suspected drug personalities.

During his last appearance, Duterte stood firm that he will not apologize for the bloody drug war and stressed that he will take full legal responsibility.

He also admitted to having a 'death squad' composed of individuals he called "gangsters" rather than police officers.

Pimentel explained that since no further questions were posed to Duterte during his last appearance and with the revelations made, another invitation is deemed unnecessary.

Pimentel mentioned that the committee has sufficient materials to work with and will allow criminal law experts to study them.

He also indicated that the next hearing has no schedule yet, but they hope retired police colonels Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo will attend soon.