Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte engaged in a heated back-and-forth with a lawmaker during the 11th hearing of the House Quad Committee on Wednesday.
At the hearing, Gabriela Partylist Representative Arlene D. Brosas asked the former president if the term “Davao model” was appropriate to describe his nationwide anti-drug policy.
Duterte responded that he had no control over the term.
“Responsable kayo kasi polisiya niyo ‘yan, kumbaga ‘tatak Duterte’ dahil polisiya niyo rin ‘yan. Tama ba, sa Davao, tama ba na tawagin po itong ‘Davao model’ or ‘Davao style’?” (Is it correct to call it the ‘Davao model’ or ‘Davao style’?) Brosas asked.
“Mr. Chair, yes or no? Davao style?” she pressed.
“Do not ask me to answer yes or no, you are not an investigator,” Duterte countered.
“Mr. Chair, tayo po ay nasa imbestigasyon,” she explained. (Mr. Chair, we are investigating.)
“Yes, but you are not an investigator. Why are you asking me to answer yes or no?” Duterte retorted.
“Mr. Chair, tinatanong ko lang naman,” she rebutted. (Mr. Chair, I am just asking.)
Lead Chair Robert Ace Barbers called a point of order and suspended the hearing to clear the air.
During the suspension, Duterte remarked: “Ano ka, pulis?” (Are you a policeman?)
Duterte’s counsel attempted to interject and question the character of Rep. Brosas, but was stopped by Barbers, who reminded the counsel that they were not allowed to ask questions and could only assist the resource person.
Duterte’s war on drugs is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the committee. The former president allegedly ordered a “shoot-to-kill” policy to eliminate illegal drug dealers during drug operations.