Duterte Defends His Controversial War on Drugs Before Senate
The former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, recently took the stand to defend his infamous war on drugs during a Senate hearing. He asserted that he bears “full legal responsibility” for the campaign that resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, a topic currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC). “I did what I had to do, and whether you believe it or not, I undertook these actions for my country,” Mr. Duterte stated emphatically, maintaining that he has “no apologies, no excuses” for his administration’s approach to combating illegal drugs.
During his tenure, rights organizations reported that as many as 30,000 people may have lost their lives due to police operations and vigilante actions linked to the drug war. Despite the scale of the violence, only a few individuals have faced convictions related to these deaths. The ICC in The Hague is currently investigating Mr. Duterte’s involvement in these tragic events.
In a display of defiance, Mr. Duterte reiterated his conviction that the violent campaign was essential to curb the narcotics crisis threatening the nation. “I have warned all of you, both as a president and now as a private citizen,” he declared. “Drugs will destroy the Filipino people; they will ruin my country, and I will not permit it.” His words reflected the belligerent stance that characterized his presidency.
Mr. Duterte’s testimony comes at a time when the House of Representatives has been conducting an inquiry into the drug war for the past five months. His supporters have largely dismissed these hearings as politically motivated, suggesting they stem from an ongoing feud between his family and that of his successor, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
While he has opted not to testify at the House hearings, citing his right against self-incrimination, Mr. Duterte chose to appear before the Senate, which is known for its more divided political landscape. Among his staunch allies in the Senate is Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who played a pivotal role as Mr. Duterte’s police chief, overseeing the very operations that have drawn international scrutiny.
