Pimentel to set 2nd drug war probe if subpanel given contempt power

Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — A second Senate hearing on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal drug campaign will only be possible should the chamber’s blue ribbon subcommittee be given contempt powers, at least according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

Pimentel, who heads the said subpanel, disclosed this to reporters in a text message on Thursday.

“No [schedule] yet. I will only [sched] a second hearing if the sub committee is given contempt powers. Wala kasi as of the moment na power to cite in contempt,” said Pimentel.

(We have no power to cite in contempt as of the moment.)

According to Pimentel, they would only invite resource persons with “personal knowledge” about the Duterte admin’s brutal drug campaign.

His remarks came after Sen. Risa Hontiveros, in Kapihan sa Senado forum also on Thursday, said she’s looking forward for staunch Duterte critic and former Sen. Sonny Trillanes’ attendance in the chamber’s probe.

READ: Senate drug war probe transcript sent to ICC – Trillanes

Trillanes earlier claimed that the transcript of the Senate hearing on the drug war, where Duterte admitted that he kept a “death squad” to crack down on suspects, was sent to the ICC.