Senate vs. QuadCom hearings on drug war
THE initial call for an investigation into the reported extra-judicial killings during the war on drugs in the House of Representatives was welcomed by most. It was seen as an opportunity not only to do justice to verified victims of police operatives who violated the protocol but also to assess whether the war on drugs should continue while correcting its implementation.
The chore was initially assigned to the Committees on Dangerous Drugs and Public Order and Safety, until House Speaker Martin Romualdez decided to form a Quad Committee, adding the Committees on Human Rights and Public Accounts. It was then that it became obvious what the political agenda was – to discredit the ex-President Rodrigo Duterte.
Its apparent strategy is to identify the criminal circumstances that would pin the blame on FPRRD initially by discrediting former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, Senators Bato Dela Rosa and Bong Go.
The only resource persons invited were the suspects behind the reported EJKs. Questions were focused on their roles in the reported EJKS. Not a single question was asked about how these EJKs impacted the drug war, whether these improved the peace and order situations in towns and cities or not… or whether police operatives were arrogant and abusive.
There was even no mention of the more than 7,000 cases filed against policemen by PNP.
In contrast, the senate hearing showed signs its investigation will focus on how the war was implemented, and what laws can be introduced to make sure abuses are not repeated in future campaigns vs. the illegal drug trade. It would invite resource persons who would validate both the positive and negative implementation.
It was also encouraging that FPRRD showed up at the hearing and was allowed to respond candidly to pointed questions in the usual manner that he was known for. His responses blunted leading questions from Sen. Risa Hontiveros aimed at pinning him down as the ultimate criminal behind the EJKS. But, without batting an eyelash, he said he is assuming full responsibility for the outcome of the drug war and the actions of the police that followed his legal order.
Then there was Sen Robin Padilla’s real down-to-earth experiences and perceptions of the war.
If the QuadCom thinks it can do better than Sen. Hontiveros, that thought will become irrelevant as soon as FPRRD appears in its hearing in aid of persecution.
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