In a recent Senate testimony, former President Rodrigo Duterte boldly defended his administration's contentious war on drugs, asserting, “I did it for my country.” His remarks come as investigations by the International Criminal Court continue into the thousands of deaths attributed to his policies. Duterte emphasized that he takes “full legal responsibility” for the campaign, which has been described by human rights organizations as a series of extrajudicial killings, with estimates of the dead reaching 30,000.
**Duterte Stands Firm on Drug War Accountability Amid Senate Inquiry**
**Duterte Stands Firm on Drug War Accountability Amid Senate Inquiry**
Former Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte remains unapologetic for the controversial anti-drug campaign during his presidency, claiming full legal responsibility for the resulting violence.
During his testimony, Duterte reiterated his stance, citing the necessity of the drug war to protect the Filipino people from what he described as a narcotics crisis threatening the nation's fabric. “Drugs will destroy the Filipino, it will destroy my country, and I will not allow it,” he declared passionately.
This Senate inquiry follows a larger investigation initiated by the House of Representatives into Duterte's drug policies. However, some view these hearings as a politically motivated attack stemming from tensions between Duterte’s family and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration. While Duterte has refrained from testifying at House hearings, citing his right against self-incrimination, he chose to appear before the Senate, where he was flanked by loyal supporters, including Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, his former police chief.
Despite the ongoing investigations and public backlash, Duterte stood resolute, offering no apologies or regrets for the violent measures taken during his presidency. As the debate over the drug war continues, it remains clear that Duterte's divisive legacy is likely to be a focal point of Philippine politics for years to come.
This Senate inquiry follows a larger investigation initiated by the House of Representatives into Duterte's drug policies. However, some view these hearings as a politically motivated attack stemming from tensions between Duterte’s family and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration. While Duterte has refrained from testifying at House hearings, citing his right against self-incrimination, he chose to appear before the Senate, where he was flanked by loyal supporters, including Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, his former police chief.
Despite the ongoing investigations and public backlash, Duterte stood resolute, offering no apologies or regrets for the violent measures taken during his presidency. As the debate over the drug war continues, it remains clear that Duterte's divisive legacy is likely to be a focal point of Philippine politics for years to come.
