Former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s absence from the House Quad Committee session, which commenced on November 7, was announced in advance through a letter from his counsel, Atty. Martin B. Delgra III.
Duterte’s absence was addressed in a letter sent to the chair of the Quad Committee, Robert Ace S. Barbers, dated November 5.
“My client respectfully manifests that while he respects and recognizes the authority of the Honorable Committees to conduct inquiries, in aid of legislation, he cannot attend the public hearing as scheduled,” Delgra said.
The letter outlined the reasons for Duterte’s absence, the primary reason being his doubts regarding the integrity, independence, and probity of the Quad Committee to conduct a fair inquiry.
“It is apparent that the inquiry is a mere political ploy aimed to indict him for crime or crimes he did not commit,” Delgra added.
Additionally, Duterte is aware of some committee members’ positions on the matter and has expressed concerns about how certain committee members have pressured resource persons to make admissions under oath. As a former prosecutor, Duterte regards this as subornation—an act of influencing someone to commit perjury.
The former president also noted that he had already attended a Senate hearing, which lasted for 9 hours, where he thoroughly addressed issues of extrajudicial killings and drug-related matters.
Delgra further stated that Duterte proposes the government allocate additional funds to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strengthen the fight against drugs and crime.
Duterte also advised that the government save time and resources, emphasizing that taxpayer money should be used wisely. While he cannot attend the hearing in person, Duterte requested that the stenographic notes from the Senate inquiry be transcribed and made available for the Quad Committee’s consideration.
“My client respectfully suggests to save the government time and taxpayer’s money,” Delgra said.
Delgra concluded by asserting that his client’s presence is unnecessary at the House of Representatives hearing scheduled for November 7 at 9:30 a.m.