As differing perspectives from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s allies and family, and the families of the extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims continue to divide public opinion, lawmakers warned the public to refrain from sensationalizing the former’s arrest.
In a press conference on Wednesday, March 12, the members of the House of Representatives echoed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s call to the midterm election candidates. The statement from Escudero told candidates to refrain from using the issue to fan the flames of partisanship.
Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre agreed with the statement, highlighting that is it not a discussion about Duterte, but rather about the crimes committed during his tenure as president.
He furthered, “Extrajudicial killings will always be illegal. It will always be against the law.”
The Rule of Law
According to Acidre, it cannot be a choice between justice and mercy, as the rule of law must be applied.
“Hindi naman pwedeng ang fight against drug…it cannot be a choice between justice and mercy. We have to apply the rule of law. In this case, we cannot allow personalities to define the narrative. Whether it's pro or against,” he said.
He also echoed his earlier statement that the attention should be shifted towards the victims of the EJKs.
Meanwhile, La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega clarified that Duterte needs to be accountable for his actions.
“Mahirap kasi pagka-gusto mo pabor lahat sayo. Hindi pwedeng lahat pabor sayo. Dapat accountable ka for your actions. Hindi naman pwedeng maghari-harian ka na lang habang-buhay. Kasi sabi ko nga hindi natutulog ang hustisya. Bilog ang bola,” Ortega said.
Subsequently, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon said that this is not about politics or two families quarrelling, but about justice.
“It's not about politics. It's not about two families quarrelling. It’s about justice,” he said.
“It’s about vindication to the victims of EJKs. Malayong-malayo po na mahaluan ito ng isyung pang-politika, sapagkat ang mithiin natin dito ay mabigyan ng hustisya yung mga biktima ng EJKs na kawawa and until now, seeking justice for so many years because of the implementation of the war on drugs,” he added.
“Huwag nang i-sensationalize just because a former president was arrested. It’s not about you, it’s about the victims of the EJKs,” he continued.
Gaining Clarity
On a separate note, Acidre stated that because the public had been following the investigations on the war on drugs, including the Quad Committee hearings, the latter gained clarity on the events that happened during the Duterte administration.
“I think credit is to be given, to where credit is due. But I think rather than claiming credit, the members of the Quad Comm are rather happy…na yung ginawa nating imbestigasyon ay umabot na sa puntong pumapabor sa tao. Pumapabor sa katarungan at katotohanan yung ginawa nating pag-dinig,” he said.
