Palace welcomes Senate probe on extrajudicial killings

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang is open to the Senate investigation on the rising cases of extrajudicial killings involving alleged drug suspects.

Speaking to reporters, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella on Wednesday said the planned probe was part of the Senate’s mandate.

“Basically, that is the job of the legislative, to be able to exercise their independent authority. So they’re welcome to make the necessary investigations as they see fit,” Abella said in a press briefing.

READ: Palace: Probe of killings welcome

Neophyte Senator Leila de Lima, a known critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, earlier filed a resolution to investigate the spate of drug-related killings.

On Tuesday, De Lima made a privilege speech, blasting the Duterte administration’s “do-it-yourself justice-system.”

READ: FULL TEXT: Sen. Leila de Lima privilege speech on drugs, killings

Asked about the President’s reaction to this, Abella said “President Duterte has not made any comments about Senator de Lima.”

The Palace official, however, assured that Duterte was looking into the alleged cases of extrajudicial killings in the country.

“He has been aware and he is looking into these matters,” he said. RAM