The invitation still stands for former President Rodrigo Duterte to attend the House Joint Committee’s inquiry on the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and illegal drugs, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. said.
The statement was in response to the former President’s comment that he is willing to attend the ongoing investigation on EJKs. It was cited that the EJKs happened during the Duterte administration, where thousands of families lamented the deaths of suspected drug users. Authorities believe that the killings were amplified by the war on drugs campaign.
Abante expressed how Duterte’s response means a lot to the Committee, but hopes that the latter accepts the invitation, should they request his presence.
The Committee had requested Duterte’s appearance in the previous inquiries but failed to get any response. Abante added that they will treat the former President with utmost respect, considering his previous position, when asked about his involvement in the matter.
The next Quad Committee hearing will commence on Friday, October 11.
However, Abante stressed that Duterte will not be summoned to this week’s hearing, in respect to the invited personalities.
In the previous hearing, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma and NAPOLCOM Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo were linked to former PCSO Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga's murder in 2020.
