Former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared at the House Quad Committee hearing on November 13, 2024 to discuss his ‘war on drugs’ policy during his administration.
Duterte attended the hearing with his lawyer, Martin Delgra. He is one of the key figures testifying in the joint congressional probe. This appearance followed his testimony at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee about two weeks earlier.
Officials from Duterte’s administration also joined the hearing, including Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.
Lawmakers called Duterte’s bluff after he claimed he would attend the hearing on Wednesday at Batasang Pambansa, whether or not they canceled it.
Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the committee chairperson, opened the hearing by emphasizing that the committee would respect Duterte’s rights. He also clarified that the hearing would not judge the former president or his policies.
