Duterte's Senate drug war probe attendance now unsure

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III stated that former President Rodrigo Duterte's attendance at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe into the drug war on October 28 is now unsure, contradicting earlier assurances from Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa.

Pimentel, who will lead the investigation, noted that Duterte is reportedly having second thoughts about appearing.

Despite this uncertainty, Pimentel mentioned that everyone is excited for the hearing and that many guests have been invited.

Senator Dela Rosa, having previously served as Philippine National Police chief, has expressed willingness to be questioned during the probe.

The probe will also invite former Senator Leila de Lima and others involved, with Senate President Francis Escudero assuring a fair hearing.

The investigation is set to be fast-tracked to avoid conflicts with the Senate's plenary debates on the proposed 2025 national budget.

The Palace supports the Philippine National Police's plan to reopen investigations into high-profile killings under the previous administration's anti-illegal drug campaign.

The International Criminal Court has also reopened its probe into the drug war, expressing dissatisfaction with Philippine efforts to investigate alleged crimes against humanity and extrajudicial killings.