FPRRD testifies before Senate panel

On Nov 1, 2024

FORMER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, on Monday, October 28, 2024, appeared befor the Sub-Committee of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigating, motu proprio, the alleged extra-judicial killings during his administration’s ‘War on Drugs.’

In his opening statement, Duterte defended his war against illegal drugs, which he said was not about killing people but about protecting the innocent.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel, chaired the Senate Panel probing the bloody War on Drugs during the Duterte administration (photo credit: Senate PRIB).

“My mandate as President of the Republic was to protect the country and the Filipino people. Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies nor excuses. I did what I had to do,” the former chief executive said.

“My job as President was never easy… I have tried to do the best I can to address the problem of illegal drugs firmly and without compromises.

“For all its successes and shortcomings, I, and I alone take full legal responsibility,” he added.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III presided during the hearing (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau).