Senate sets own drug war probe for Oct. 28

Metro Manila, Philippines – Quashing calls for a joint congressional probe, the Senate will launch its own investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs on Monday, October 28.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III announced the date on Tuesday, a day after being formally designated as chairman of a subcommittee under the Blue Ribbon Committee to lead the probe.

Pimentel assured that the proceedings will be impartial, amid Akbayan party's call for senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go to file a leave of absence due to their alleged involvement in a purported reward system that reached P1 million per drug suspect killed.

Dela Rosa served as Duterte’s first Philippine National Police chief, while Go was his special assistant. They both denied the allegations.

"Their presence should not affect the credibility of the probe. They are not going to preside. And we have to encourage other senators to show interest in the probe,” Pimentel said in response to Akbayan’s statement.

Asked if Duterte will be summoned to the first hearing, Pimentel said his office will finalize the list of resource persons today after consulting with other senators.

Duterte skipped the hearing today of the House of Representatives’ quad committee, with his lawyer stating that he is “not feeling well” but is committed to attending in November.

Earlier, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers, co-chair of the House quad committee, suggested conducting a joint investigation. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Pimentel agreed it was a good idea, but noted that it could not be easily implemented due to the lack of rules governing such a setup.