QUEZON City – Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was a no-show yesterday despite an invitation to attend the ninth Quad Comm hearing of the House of Representatives. The Quad Comm is hearing allegations of extrajudicial killings in Duterte’s drug war.
The House instead received a letter from one Atty. Martin Delgra, who claims to represent the former president, stating that Duterte is not feeling well and needs much rest.
Delgra, however, expressed Duterte’s willingness to join the hearing at any hearing date after November 1, 2024.
Cong. Joseph “Caraps” Paduano, however, insisted that Atty. Delgra be made to present written authority from the former president.
Quad Comm chairman Cong. Robert Ace Barbers ruled that the lawyer be required to present his credentials but as a courtesy to Duterte he would not be required to present a medical certificate showing his physical condition. He said that this is not a special favor to Duterte.
Cong. Arlene Brosas remarked that Duterte must be made to explain the thousands of deaths when the “fake drug war” was implemented. She asked, “Is he afraid to face the people?”
Cong. France Castro moved that Duterte be cited in contempt if he does not appear in the next hearing of the Quad Comm.
The House also issued a show cause order against Irmina “Muking” Espino, said to be a trusted aide of Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go when he served as presidential assistant to Duterte.
Former police official Royina Garma had earlier identified alias Muking as an accomplice or facilitator in the release of funds for the players in the drug war killings.
Espina failed to appear at the hearing despite service of the invitation by the Philippine National Police.
The Quad Comm also directed Peter Parungo, Romel Bactat, Rodel Servo, and Michael Palma to show cause why they should not be held in contempt by the committee for their failure to present themselves despite notice.
These individuals were allegedly handpicked by then Police Col. Edilberto Leonardo to assist him in implementing nationwide the Davao template for drug war killings.
The Quad Comm also ruled to extend its hearings to accommodate the request of the former president./PN
