FORMER President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s unapologetic admission that he alone bears responsibility for the thousands of deaths in his brutal war on drugs may clear the path for both local and international prosecution, warned Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr.
Duterte, speaking before a Senate hearing, accepted full responsibility for the actions of police during his aggressive anti-drug campaign, insisting that he alone should be held accountable rather than the officers who followed his orders.
The 79-year-old former president, known for his hardline stance on crime and often controversial rhetoric, declared that his policy should not be questioned, offering neither apologies nor excuses.
Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights, part of the Quad Committee investigating alleged extrajudicial killings linked to Duterte’s drug war, said the former president’s statement could lead to intensified scrutiny and potential legal repercussions.
“That recent admission of the former president of responsibility for all the killings under his controversial war on drugs could open the doors for legal action both domestically and internationally like the ICC (International Criminal Court),” Abante told reporters in an interview.
“Palagay ko alam naman niya ‘yun,” he added, suggesting Duterte is aware of the implications of his admission.
During the Senate inquiry, Duterte also made a turnaround after admitting to creating a seven-man hit squad known as the Davao Death Squad (DDS)—led by former PNP chiefs, including Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa—during his tenure as Davao City mayor, a controversial matter he had previously denied.
Although he claimed he did not directly order the summary killing of anyone, Duterte stated that he instructed officers to provoke suspects to fight back, making it easier to justify their deaths.
Duterte’s six-year term saw a hardline anti-drug campaign that left thousands dead, drawing widespread local and international condemnation.
Abante argued that Duterte’s statements provided sufficient grounds for agencies like the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, and other relevant authorities to launch an initial investigation.
“Meron nang illegal issues ‘yung pronouncement ng ating [dating] Pangulo and we owe it to the Filipino people to pursue justice without any fear or favor,” he said.
When asked if Duterte’s statement alone justified legal proceedings, Abante responded, “I believe so.”
He urged the Philippine justice system to act impartially, stating, “I do realize that the former president is getting quite old… but still he cannot get away from the responsibility, accountability of his actions.”
Abante also questioned Duterte’s claim that the campaign was intended to “protect the innocent,” given the tragic toll on civilians.
“I think we can all agree that the country would benefit from a serious campaign against illegal drugs. Unfortunately and tragically, based on the hearing of the House Committee on Human Rights and the Quad Comm hearings, this war on illegal drugs claimed thousands of innocent lives,” Abante said.
Abante extended an invitation for Duterte to attend the ongoing Quad Comm probe as he emphasized the need for transparency.
“Magandang marinig ang panig ni PRRD pero sana may opportunity din na tayo’y tanungin sya tungkol sa mga direktibo nya, it’s very important. Kaya po I reiterate our invitation to PRRD to go to the House and appear before the Quad Comm,” Abante said.
Responding to Duterte’s assertion that he had never allowed police or military abuses, Abante pointed to Duterte’s public calls to “kill, kill” that emboldened law enforcers.
“Well that would be a normal statement that can be said by any leader pero nakita naman natin ‘yung kanyang mga pronouncements na patayin, patayin. Ilang beses niyang sinabi ‘yan,” Abante observed.
He added: “You know, I’m not against the war on drugs, I’m all in favor of it. Pero palagay ko naman sa napakaraming napatay at napakaraming napatay na mistaken identity at maraming napatay na drug user lamang hindi mga drug pushers, that is something to really investigate na na-embolden ang mga kapulisan natin sa ilang mga pronouncements ng ating dating pangulo kahit na sinabi niya na ayaw niyang nag-aabuso.”
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