Duterte invited to House, Senate hearings on drug war; health reasons prevent attendance

The House Quad Committee formally invited former President Rodrigo Duterte to attend a hearing on October 22 regarding alleged extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs.

Former President Duterte's lawyer, Martin Delgra III, informed the committee that Duterte is not feeling well and cannot attend the scheduled hearing due to health reasons but expressed willingness to participate in future hearings after November 1.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel III announced that a Senate blue ribbon subcommittee will convene on October 28 with Duterte as one of the invited resource persons, though it remains up to him whether he accepts the invitation.

The panel, led by Pimentel, aims to investigate the Philippines' war on illegal drugs and has also invited other key figures such as former Sen. Leila de Lima, retired Police Colonel Royina Garma, and self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed support for the Quad Committee's efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues from the previous administration's drug campaign.