In a recent Senate testimony, Rodrigo Duterte maintained that his controversial drug war was essential for the nation, despite ongoing investigations into human rights abuses.
Duterte Stand Firm: Accepts Legal Responsibility for Drug War Actions
Duterte Stand Firm: Accepts Legal Responsibility for Drug War Actions
Former Philippine President asserts he fought for his country during turbulent drug campaign.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faced the Senate on Monday, staunchly defending his infamous war on drugs, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and is currently under scrutiny by the International Criminal Court (ICC). During a heated testimony, Duterte declared he would take "full legal responsibility" for the extrajudicial killings that have marred his administration.
"I did what I had to do, and whether you believe it or not, I did it for my country," he asserted. Duterte, who left office in 2022, declined to express regret for a campaign that resulted in an estimated 30,000 fatalities, according to human rights organizations. The ICC is now investigating the former leader’s potential involvement in these violations.
Despite acknowledging the bloodshed, Duterte insisted that the anti-drug efforts were critical to combating narcotics within the nation. "Drugs will destroy the Filipino; it will destroy my country, and I will not allow it," he emphasized.
Duterte's remarks came amid an inquiry by the House of Representatives into the drug war, which he has avoided citing his right against self-incrimination. Instead, he appeared before the Senate, which has a more polarized political landscape, and included loyal supporters like Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who was key in managing the drug campaign as Duterte's police chief.
Critics of the current hearings allege they are politically motivated, stemming from tensions between Duterte’s family and that of his successor, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of Duterte's policies continue to provoke controversy and debate throughout the Philippines.
"I did what I had to do, and whether you believe it or not, I did it for my country," he asserted. Duterte, who left office in 2022, declined to express regret for a campaign that resulted in an estimated 30,000 fatalities, according to human rights organizations. The ICC is now investigating the former leader’s potential involvement in these violations.
Despite acknowledging the bloodshed, Duterte insisted that the anti-drug efforts were critical to combating narcotics within the nation. "Drugs will destroy the Filipino; it will destroy my country, and I will not allow it," he emphasized.
Duterte's remarks came amid an inquiry by the House of Representatives into the drug war, which he has avoided citing his right against self-incrimination. Instead, he appeared before the Senate, which has a more polarized political landscape, and included loyal supporters like Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who was key in managing the drug campaign as Duterte's police chief.
Critics of the current hearings allege they are politically motivated, stemming from tensions between Duterte’s family and that of his successor, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of Duterte's policies continue to provoke controversy and debate throughout the Philippines.
