Chiz: Only blue ribbon panel can do  drug war probe while Senate on break

Senate President Francis Escudero answers query from the media during the Kapihan sa Senado on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

Only the Senate blue ribbon committee has the authority to conduct a motu proprio investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs during the legislative break, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said on Friday.

“We have clarified that already through a parliamentary inquiry (during our plenary session) several weeks ago,” Escudero said in a radio interview.

Chaired by Pia

“Our direction, although it’s not yet final, is to let the blue ribbon committee conduct the motu proprio investigation while we are on recess,” he said. “That’s in our rules.”

The chamber’s anti-graft panel is currently chaired by Sen. Pia Cayetano, one of Duterte’s allies in the Senate who will be seeking reelection in the May 2025 midterm polls.

According to Escudero, the Senate justice and human rights committee may take over the hearing when the regular session of the 19th Congress resumes on Nov. 4.

He said the senators may also organize a Senate committee of the whole as suggested by opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

“It’s still an option. That’s still on the table. But I will still have to consult with my colleagues,” the Senate leader said. —Marlon Ramos