House quad comm invites Duterte to drug war probe

Koko to lead Blue Ribbon inquiry - Chiz

- By DELON PORCALLA

The quad committee of the House of Representatives has invited former president Rodrigo Duterte to attend its next hearing tomorrow to shed light on allegations that he implemented a reward system for extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his term.

"The joint committee respectfully invites you to attend the inquiry to provide valuable insights and shed light on the issues under discussion, particularly the EJKs," read a portion of the one-page document dated Oct. 18 and signed by lead chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero said yesterday that the Senate Blue Ribbon committee would investigate the Duterte administration's drug war, parallel to the inquiry being done by the quad committee.

Escudero said Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III will spearhead proceedings in a Blue Ribbon subcommittee, since its chairperson, Sen. Pia Cayetano, is busy campaigning for reelection.

Barbers asked Duterte, if he has a presentation or opening statement, to submit it to the quad secretariat beforehand.

The hearing will start at 9:30 a.m. when the four committees - dangerous drugs, public order and safety, human rights and public accounts - Turn to Page 4 President Marcos yesterday reaffirmed the Philippines' intention to enhance its relations with Southeast Asian neighbor Indonesia, as he greeted Jakarta's two highest officials on their inauguration.

Marcos was one of the foreign leaders who witnessed the inauguration of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Jakarta.

It was Marcos' 30th foreign trip since assuming the presidency in 2022. He was accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos.

The two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations.