Former President Duterte Faces Criticism In Senate Inquiry

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during a Senate investigation on the war on the drugs during his administration at the Philippine Senate Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Manila, Philippi

In a recent televised Senate inquiry, former President Rodrigo Duterte's defiant and combative demeanor brought back painful memories for families of victims of the deadly 'war on drugs' during his rule. Duterte, seeking a new term as mayor, denied authorizing extrajudicial killings but admitted to maintaining a 'death squad' as a mayor.

The thousands of killings under Duterte's administration have sparked international scrutiny, with human rights groups estimating the death toll to exceed 20,000. The issue has also fueled political tensions within Duterte's family and the broader Philippine political landscape.

Denies authorizing extrajudicial killings but admits to maintaining a 'death squad' as mayor.

Duterte's defiant demeanor in Senate inquiry triggers painful memories for 'war on drugs' victims' families.

Human rights groups estimate over 20,000 deaths during Duterte's administration.

International scrutiny and political tensions arise from the thousands of killings under Duterte's rule.

Duterte engages in profanity-laced exchanges during the Senate hearing.

The hearing highlights constraints faced by Duterte post-presidency and ongoing debate over his legacy.

Witnesses now feel emboldened to speak out against Duterte's brutal anti-drug campaign.

The session underscores the fear and impunity that characterized Duterte's rule.

During the Senate hearing, Duterte engaged in profanity-laced exchanges and clashed with human rights activists and political opponents. The hearing highlighted the constraints faced by Duterte post-presidency and the ongoing debate over his controversial legacy.

The hearing also shed light on the fear and impunity that characterized Duterte's rule, with witnesses now feeling emboldened to speak out against the former president. The session underscored the deep scars left by Duterte's brutal anti-drug campaign and the quest for justice and accountability moving forward.