enate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero stated today that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent statements during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing could signify an initial step toward taking responsibility for the violent drug war conducted under his administration.
While Escudero acknowledged that Duterte’s testimony largely echoed his previous statements from his time in office, he noted a key difference: this time, Duterte’s words were given under oath.
“Yesterday, every word he spoke was under oath. He swore that what he stated was true to the best of his knowledge. This can be used either in his defense or against him,” Escudero said.
Duterte’s statements were officially recorded, with the hearing transcripts soon to be available for any interested parties and the general public.
Escudero emphasized that, unlike in the past, where Duterte’s spokespersons dismissed his strong statements on drug-related killings as jest, Duterte can no longer make this claim, having testified under oath.
“It seems he stands by what he did and said—he’s not hiding from it. His statement yesterday was clear: ‘I am willing to take full responsibility, just me.’ How that is implemented remains to be seen. Perhaps this is Duterte’s way of putting that sentiment into action, bravely facing and admitting to what transpired,” Escudero added.
The Senate President pointed out that, despite the drug war killings during Duterte’s administration and his time as Davao City mayor, no charges have been filed against Duterte himself, nor against his Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs or Davao City’s former police leaders.
“He is without a case. The former PNP chiefs and Davao City police heads are also untouched by any murder cases. The officers facing charges are those who, it appears, either followed orders or acted as they saw fit. They are the ones dismissed from service, imprisoned,” Escudero said.
From Duterte’s testimony, Escudero said the former President seemed “clear in his message.”
Reflecting on his experience with Duterte, Escudero noted, “He often acts in unexpected ways. Perhaps his firm stance yesterday stems from a desire to bear responsibility, as time has passed, yet the consequences have largely fallen on low-ranking officers—not those at the top.”
As a lawyer, Escudero underscored that the Constitution prohibits anyone from taking the law into their own hands, regardless of motive.
“The first clause in the Bill of Rights states that ‘No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.’ This foundational principle in our Constitution demands that human rights be respected, especially by the government and those in authority,” Escudero stated.
“Even the government must uphold the process. A civilized government does no less than ensuring due process for all, no matter the emotional weight or urgency,” he said.
Escudero concluded that it is now up to affected parties, particularly the families of the drug war victims, to determine their next steps in light of Duterte’s sworn statements.
