Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — A second Senate hearing on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal drug campaign will only be possible should the chamber’s blue ribbon subcommittee be given contempt powers, at least according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.
Pimentel, who heads the said subpanel, disclosed this to reporters in a text message on Thursday.
Article continues after this advertisement“No [schedule] yet. I will only [sched] a second hearing if the sub committee is given contempt powers. Wala kasi as of the moment na power to cite in contempt,” said Pimentel.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO House probe retraces bulk withdrawals of confidential funds NEWSINFO House approves bill that promotes hiring of seniors NEWSINFO INQToday: Clemency for Mary Jane Veloso? Marcos says ‘everything is on the table’(We have no power to cite in contempt as of the moment.)
According to Pimentel, they would only invite resource persons with “personal knowledge” about the Duterte admin’s brutal drug campaign.
Article continues after this advertisementHis remarks came after Sen. Risa Hontiveros, in Kapihan sa Senado forum also on Thursday, said she’s looking forward for staunch Duterte critic and former Sen. Sonny Trillanes’ attendance in the chamber’s probe.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Senate drug war probe transcript sent to ICC – Trillanes
Trillanes earlier claimed that the transcript of the Senate hearing on the drug war, where Duterte admitted that he kept a “death squad” to crack down on suspects, was sent to the ICC.
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