DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte is open to actively participating in the House of Representatives quad-committee (quad-comm) hearing on the interconnected issues of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illegal drugs, and extrajudicial killings.
HOUSE session hall (FB)
“Well, if they will invite me…What exactly do they want to know from me? I hope they will ask educated questions,” Duterte said in a press conference here on Saturday night, October 5.
Duterte opposed the claims of extrajudicial killings and said that people are dying because of illegal drugs.
He also denied involvement in POGOs.
The former Chief Executive said he would legally support former police officers and people being summoned and questioned in POGO hearings and other related issues if they ask for his help.
“They will have my legal support. I’ll consult with the lawyers and leave the matter to them. Since I am not a practicing lawyer, I won’t be involved in the specifics of the current legal procedures. All I can do is provide them with a lawyer,” Duterte said.
Duterte said he would sincerely support the military and police in their duties. He added that he would even put his reputation on the line for them as he succeeded in transforming Davao City into what it is now with their help.
He challenged House officials in the inquiry on POGO crimes, illegal drugs, and his war on drugs to present evidence of their allegations. Duterte asked them not make a general statement to enable him to bring these matters to the Department of Justice.