Duterte Defends Controversial Drug War in Senate Testimony

In a recent Senate hearing, Rodrigo Duterte reaffirms his stance on the drug war that resulted in thousands of deaths, claiming it was necessary for the nation.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte testified in front of the Senate on Monday, staunchly defending his administration's controversial war on drugs, which resulted in a significant death toll. He boldly declared, "I took full legal responsibility" for the brutal campaign, asserting that his actions were taken in service of the country. Duterte emphasized, “I did what I had to do... I did it for my country,” during a session that attracted widespread attention.

His drug enforcement policies, marred by allegations of extrajudicial killings estimated to have claimed as many as 30,000 lives, have led to ongoing scrutiny from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Despite the gravity of the accusations, Duterte maintained his defiance, insisting that he would offer “no apologies, no excuses” for the violence associated with the anti-drug initiative.

In his testimony, he reiterated concerns that drugs posed a dire threat to the Philippines, stating, “Drugs will destroy the Filipino, it will destroy my country, and I will not allow it.” His remarks come as a House inquiry into the drug war progresses. Supporters of the former president have decried the investigation as politically motivated, asserting it stems from a rivalry between Duterte’s family and the current administration led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Duterte had previously declined to appear at House hearings, citing self-incrimination rights, but chose to testify before the Senate, where he finds support among key allies, including Ronald Dela Rosa, who previously headed the controversial campaign while chief of police. This testimony highlights ongoing divisions within the country's political landscape as Duterte remains a polarizing figure.