Gwyneth Perseveranda

Former President Rodrigo Duterte announced during a press conference in Davao city  on October 5, that he is prepared to face the House Quad Committee’s probe on extrajudicial killings (EJK).

Photo Courtesy of Global Times/PTV/HOR.

He said that he would attend the hearing if formally invited.

“If it’s still pleasure, why not. Anong gusto nilang malaman sa akin?,” Duterte stated with the media.

"If they will invite me. I just hope that they would ask educated questions," he added. 

Acknowledging that EJKs were present during his term, Duterte admitted that they were a part of his bloody war against narcotics.

“Nako, totoo ‘yan,” Duterte said, confirming that EJKs transpired during his administration.

When questioned about any links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), Duterte denied any involvement.

“Wala tayong POGO. POGO, we are too far away from that. Hindi ko nga alam maglaro ng POGO," he said.

On October 7, Duterte filed his candidacy for mayor of Davao city, with his son, current mayor Sebastian Duterte, running as his vice mayor.

This contrasts with Vice President Sara Duterte’s earlier statement that her father and brothers were planning to run for senatorial seats.

Duterte is under fire for his policies during his administration, particularly his anti-drugs campaign.

He is also linked to officials being investigated by the Quad Committee, including former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma, alleged to be behind the killings of three chinese drug lords and PCSO executive Wesley Barayuga.