Duterte to question lawmakers after quad committee hearing cancelation — Panelo

Metro Manila, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte plans to appear at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Wednesday, Nov. 13, despite the rescheduling of the House quad committee hearing, his former spokesperson said.

In a text message to NewsWatch Plus, Sal Panelo said Duterte intends to question lawmakers on their decision to cancel the hearing without prior notice.

"PRRD and I will go to Batasang Pambansa tomorrow at 10:00 am and confront the quad committee members on why, after demanding his presence and accepting their invitation, they canceled the hearing without notice," Panelo said.

He added, "He will ask them to schedule a marathon hearing of ten days."

Lawmakers noted that Duterte had not sent a formal letter confirming his attendance TO the House quad committee, which is investigating extrajudicial killings (EJK) linked to his war on drugs, according to the committee chairpersons on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

"We appreciate the fact that our former president will attend because that is the request of our fellow quad comm members – to have a discussion, exchange of ideas on the issue of EJK and illegal drugs, which were the centerpiece of the previous administration’s campaign,” said Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers.

Some lawmakers dismissed Panelo’s statements as mere propaganda.

"If there is no direct statement from the former president that he will attend, we believe what appears on social media is just propaganda,” said Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun.

NewsWatch Plus correspondents Tristan Nodalo and Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.