Rodrigo Duterte to Attend House Drug War Hearing

Former President Rodrigo Duterte is set to attend a House of Representatives quad committee hearing on November 13, 2024, into the drug war killings during his administration, amidst controversy and previous cancellations. His camp had initially indicated that he would confront the committee regardless of the hearing's status, leading to the decision to proceed with the inquiry after it was postponed. Duterte's representatives have expressed frustration over the cancellation, framing it as a challenge to his integrity and calling for an extensive 'marathon' hearing. Critics, including lawmakers from various party lists, have labeled his attendance as mere 'bluster' aimed at diverting attention from the victims of his drug policies. The inquiry has gained significant attention following allegations of state-sponsored killings under his administration, which he defends as necessary actions to combat illegal drugs. The House and Senate investigations into Duterte's drug war continue amid calls for the Philippines to reconsider its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, which sought to investigate the drug war's human rights violations.