The House Quad Committee expressed their dismay over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s absence during the ninth public hearing on the war on drugs and the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that transpired during his term.
On Tuesday, October 22, the joint Committee informed the public that the former President would not be in attendance during the said hearing, as he was not feeling well. A letter from Duterte’s attorney, Martin Delgra III, indicated that the former is not feeling well and requires rest. Hence, his absence from the public hearing.
However, the Quad panel said that no medical certificate was submitted to confirm his condition. Additionally, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez cited Section 9 of the House rules.
“No witness shall be granted more than two postponements of appearance for the Committee without justifiable cause. With that, Mr. Chairman we have to apply the rules of this Committee to all or none at all,” he said.
Moreover, Abang Lingko Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano stressed the importance of clarifying the real reason for one’s absence. According to him, Atty. Delgra sent them a letter, representing Duterte, but without his authority. In aid of legislation, Paduano said that an explanation from Duterte, stating that he is giving his lawyer the authority to represent him in the hearing is needed.
However, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers reiterated that the former President is not in good shape, adding that the panel should afford him the courtesy due to the former.
“Let us give him that extension of our courtesy to him being the former President, and his intention to appear before this committee in the subsequent hearings that we will schedule. So, if I may, let us not pursue the submission of a medical certificate from the former President,” he said.
Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. inquired whether the panel is giving Duterte special treatment because of his previous position, or if the rules apply to all, as Fernandez previously mentioned.
“What I am saying, and stating for the record is that we extend the courtesy due to a former President. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na hindi na siya iimbitahin. On this particular Committee hearing that we have for today, we have received a letter stating that among others, the reason why the former President cannot be present,” Barbers said.
“Wala hong exception dyan. Hindi natin siya binibigyan ng special treatment. I do agree with the Committee on Human Rights that we should stick with the rules of the House, but in this particular case, in deference to him being the former President. I would like to ask for your understanding to extend a little bit of the courtesy that is due to him for being the former President,” he clarified.
Duterte previously expressed his willingness to attend the ongoing inquiry on the EJKs and the war on drugs. The House panel welcomed his intent to attend, stating that they would be expecting his appearance.
