The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will likely handle the investigation on the War on Drugs of the Administration under Former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Senate President Francis Escudero explained on Friday, October 18, that only the committee, headed by Sen. Pia Cayetano, can conduct motu proprio investigations while the Congress remains in recess.
"Sa ilalim kasi ng aming rules, ang Blue Ribbon Committee lamang ang pwedeng mag-motu propio investigation. Klinaro 'yan sa isang parliamentary inquiry ilang linggo na ang nakalilipas," Escudero said.
Sen. Christopher 'Bong' Go earlier filed a resolution that directs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, to investigate the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the Duterte Administration.
However, Sen. Risa Hontiveros wants the Senate Committee of the Whole to conduct the inquiry in order to encourage victims of the drug war and their kin to testify.
Escudero said that he will consult with other senators regarding the issue but agrees that Dela Rosa and Go should not lead the Senate investigation to avoid allegations of impartiality and unfairness.
"Haharapin namin ito sa mga susunod na araw. Option ang Committee of the Whole, pero tinitignan ko rin ang ibang komite na pwedeng mag-handle nito maliban sa komite ni Senator Bato," Escudero said.
"Siyempre, may karapatan din si Sen. Bato at bahagi siya dun sa pagtalakay at pag-discuss ng bagay na 'yun," he added.
Dela Rosa served as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the height of the War Against Drugs, while Go worked under President Duterte as Special Assistant to the President.
During the investigation of the House of Representatives, Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager and Police colonel Royina Garma also further implicated Dela Rosa and Go to the War Against Drugs.
Aside from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Escudero said that Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Senate Minority leader Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel Jr., could head the probe once Congress resumes session.
Escudero assured that every member of the Senate will have a chance to speak and defend themselves during the public hearings.
"Para sa akin may karapatan naman ang mga miyembro ng Senado na ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili, na ilabas ang kanilang panig kung sa pananaw nila ay hindi ito lubusang napagbigyang mailabas doon sa Kamara," Escudero said.
"May karapatan ang isang inaakusahan na harapin 'yung tumetestigo laban sa kanya. Karapatan 'yon at hindi 'yon pwedeng alisin," he stressed.
