Pimentel says no immediate need to call Duterte for drug war hearings

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III stated on Wednesday that there is no immediate need to invite former President Rodrigo Duterte to future hearings regarding his administration's war on drugs.

Pimentel chairs the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee investigating the drug war and said he will reconsider if senators request it, but currently sees no necessity for Duterte’s attendance.

During a recent hearing, Duterte admitted having a 'death squad' made up of individuals he called 'gangsters,' while also asserting full legal responsibility for the controversial campaign.

Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito suggested ending the Senate probe and allowing justice agencies to handle cases based on gathered evidence, emphasizing that ongoing debates are wasting productive years.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa countered Ejercito’s view, arguing that hearings must continue until key witnesses like Royina Garma and Kerwin Espinosa testify.