Duterte to be summoned to Senate-led drug war probe, says Bato | INQToday

Summary

The transcript highlights key political developments in the Philippines, focusing on a Senate probe into former President Duterte's controversial drug war, which includes allegations of extrajudicial killings and a police reward system. Senator Dela Rosa, leading the investigation, expresses confidence in Duterte's participation. The government is also cracking down on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with some Filipinos reportedly taking over scamming operations. Additionally, tensions rise as a Chinese militia ship allegedly sideswipes a Filipino vessel near Pagasa Island, underscoring ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Former President Rodrigo Duterte will be called for a probe into his drug war policies by a Senate committee during the session break.
• 👮 The investigation will be led by Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, Duterte's former police chief.
• 📅 Duterte and his former cabinet members will be invited as resource persons for the Senate's investigation.
• 📜 Dela Rosa expressed confidence that Duterte would be willing to participate in the Senate hearings, favoring it over House inquiries.
• 🔍 The Senate committee can conduct its own investigation, as there are existing resolutions regarding alleged drug smuggling by Representative Paulo Duterte and others.
• 🚨 Allegations emerged that during Duterte's administration, police received bonuses for killing drug suspects as part of the anti-drug campaign.
• 💰 Payments for these bonuses allegedly went through local government officials, including former aide Senator Bong Go, who denied knowledge of such practices.
• ⚖️ Senator Go is also seeking a Senate investigation into the drug war under Duterte's administration.
• 🏴‍☠️ The Philippine government is cracking down on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), with some locals reportedly taking over scamming operations left by foreign operators.
• 🚢 A Chinese maritime militia ship was reported to have sideswiped a Filipino vessel during a patrol near Pagasa Island, exacerbating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Senate investigation involving former President Rodrigo Duterte?

The Senate investigation aims to probe the alleged extrajudicial killings that occurred during Duterte's administration's drug war, with a focus on accountability and possible involvement of other personalities in drug smuggling.

Who is leading the Senate investigation into the drug war?

The investigation is led by Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa, who was previously Duterte's police chief.

How does Senator Dela Rosa feel about Duterte's willingness to cooperate with the Senate?

Dela Rosa is confident that Duterte will cooperate with the Senate investigation, as he believes Duterte is more comfortable participating in Senate proceedings than in the House of Representatives.

What allegations were made by former police Colonel Rina Garma regarding the anti-drug campaign?

Former police Colonel Rina Garma alleged that the Duterte administration adopted a 'Davao template' for the anti-drug campaign, wherein police officers involved in the killings of drug suspects received bonuses.

What is the government's stance on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO)?

The government is actively working to eliminate illegal POGO operations, which have seen some Filipinos taking over scamming schemes left by foreign operators.

What is the deadline for the government to eliminate illegal POGO activities?

The government aims to eradicate all illegal POGO activities by the end of the year, following a ban announced by President Bongbong Marcos.

What incident occurred between a Chinese Maritime militia ship and a Filipino vessel?

A Chinese Maritime militia ship allegedly sideswiped a Filipino civilian ship, BRP Datu Kabo, during a patrol near Pagasa Island, causing minor damage to the Filipino vessel.

How did the Chinese Foreign Ministry respond to the incident in the West Philippine Sea?

The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the Philippines was sailing dangerously in waters that they consider to be under Beijing's jurisdiction.

What recent developments have occurred regarding the investigation into the Duterte administration's drug war?

The Senate committee has received a resolution related to the alleged involvement of Representative Paulo Duterte in drug smuggling, prompting further investigations into the issue.

What impact has the crackdown on POGO operations had on the number of licensed operators?

The number of licensed POGO operators has decreased to 38, indicating a significant reduction in legal gaming activities as the government intensifies its crackdown on illegal operations.