Senate to probe drug war next week

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, will begin its probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war on October 28, with around four victims expected to testify.

This Senate inquiry follows accusations from the House Quad Committee that Duterte, Senator Bong Go, and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa incentivized drug war killings.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who led the war on drugs from July 2016 to April 2018, stated that the Senate hearings aim to ensure fairness for individuals implicated in the House's inquiry.

Dela Rosa also refuted claims of a reward system for police officers involved in killings, explaining that the use of intelligence funds is solely known to the fund's holder, such as the Office of the President.

Senator Pimentel believes approximately three hearings will suffice to cover the drug war and is considering Senator Joel Villanueva as a possible Subcommittee chairperson.

Senator Pia Cayetano, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair, is currently attending a summit for the Commission on Energy, leading Pimentel to preside over the inaugural hearing.

The Senate's decision to initiate its own probe was prompted by revelations during House Quad Committee hearings, where retired police colonel Royina Garma claimed a cash reward system existed for every drug suspect killed.