Ex-president Duterte denies ‘reward system’ in drug war campaign

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte denied giving rewards to police officers who killed drug war suspects during his term.

In an interview with Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), Duterte said he only provided operational funds to cops in carrying out his anti-narcotics campaign.

Retired police officer Royina Garma, Duterte’s trusted ally, earlier told lawmakers of a supposed reward system in the police force during the drug war. Former national police chief and now Sen. Bato dela Rosa earlier refuted these allegations.

READ: Cops killing ‘suspects’ in previous admin’s drug war ‘rewarded’ – ex-Duterte ally

“Walang pulis na papasok sa ganun. Why would they accept that kind of agreement if later on lead to their downfall?” Duterte said.

“Kapag mission accomplished is yayaan ko sila sa restaurant. Magkain kami and I congratulate them,” he added.

[Translation: No policeman will ever enter into that deal. Why would they accept that kind of agreement if it will lead to their downfall later on?...If the mission was accomplished, I would treat them in a restaurant to eat and congratulate them]

Duterte said he is ready to face the House quad committee - the panel investigating the drug war, to address allegations. The committee has a standing invitation to the former president.

“They might want me to answer, or explain and whatever. I’m ready for that. Hindi ako aatras diyan ( I won’t back down from that),” he said.

The former president said he is “willing to step down from public office permanently” if people would say his drug war wasn’t helpful at all.

Duterte is seeking a political comeback as Davao City mayor in the 2025 midterm elections.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report