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'A platform for the accused': Groups question Senate's drug war probe
The Senate blue ribbon committee commenced an investigation into the drug war conducted during the Duterte administration on Monday, October 28.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, among others, were present at the hearing.
Critics like former senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno also attended.
Two organizations, Rise Up for Life and for Rights and the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL), questioned the impartiality of the hearing, stating it had become a platform for the accused.
These groups cited that Senators Christopher "Bong" Go and Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, who are members of the committee, face allegations related to the drug war.
Previous testimonies before the House Quad Committee suggested Go and Dela Rosa were involved in the drug war's reward system.
Official government figures state at least 6,200 drug suspects were killed during police operations between June 2016 and November 2021, though human rights organizations estimate the toll to be as high as 30,000.
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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.
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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.
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Senator Bato Dela Rosa confirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte will attend the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on October 28 concerning the war on drugs.
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The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has issued subpoenas to retired police officials Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo, as well as alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, compelling them to appear before the panel's investigation into the drug war.
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Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa has stated he will not take an indefinite leave of absence from the Senate amidst the ongoing probe into the government's war on drugs, asserting the public deserves to know the truth.
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