In a recent development, Senator Ronald dela Rosa criticized the House of Representatives for their ongoing committee inquiry into the drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Dela Rosa mentioned that the resolution that sparked the investigation does not clearly indicate that it is in aid of legislation.
During an interview with ANC’s Headstart, Dela Rosa pointed out the ongoing investigation of the House human rights committee as evidence of various working government mechanisms that drug war victims can potentially utilize for redress. He also expressed his belief that the Philippine government should not cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) because both the criminal justice system and the legislature are actively working towards justice.
However, Dela Rosa also stated his opinion that the House investigation should not continue as it is no longer in aid of legislation but rather aims to hold police involved in the war on drugs accountable. He emphasized the lack of a clear statement in their resolution regarding legislation.
Amidst these discussions, the families of drug war victims have urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to work with the ICC as years of police inaction and reluctance to cooperate have left them seeking justice as a last resort. The House human rights panel has conducted four hearings on Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, where victims have recounted harrowing details of extrajudicial killings and the challenges they face in seeking justice through domestic channels.
Despite estimates from human rights groups suggesting a death toll of 30,000 in anti-drug operations, including vigilante killings, only four cases have resulted in convictions. Dela Rosa has indicated that he would only attend the committee hearing if former President Duterte does the same. Lawmakers have refrained from commenting on proceedings in the other chamber out of inter-parliamentary courtesy, a long-standing tradition in Congress.
