Dwayne Pelagio

The Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee cannot cite former president Rodrigo Duterte in contempt after using foul language and abrupt behavior during the Senate Blue Ribbon sub-panel’s hearing on the former administration’s drug war last Oct. 28.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Star/Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau.

According to presiding chair Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, the subcommittee has no power to cite a person in contempt.

“The subcommittee realized after the hearing that under Section 20 of our rules, it has no power to cite a resource person in contempt,” Pimentel said in an interview with dwIZ.

The senator also stated that he eyes to amend the Senate rules which do not give the subcommittees contempt powers in contrast to the main standing committees.

“If the rules are not amended, the subcommittee will have to refer a contempt recommendation to the main Senate Blue Ribbon committee, chaired by Sen. Pia Cayetano,” Pimentel added in the interview.

When asked about the criticisms regarding his handling of the former president getting the limelight, Pimentel said that he can’t please anybody and that is not the role of the chairman.

“We gave the witness, who may not return next hearing, the primary focus. If he got the limelight, so be it. At least we have all the materials and testimonial evidence on record,” Pimentel added in his statement during the interview.

Duterte said in the hearing that he had a death squad composed of gang members and rich personalities in Davao City.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also called out Duterte’s use of profanities in the hearing, stating that she would not hesitate to cite him in contempt.

“He is a visitor to our house, the Senate, but a visitor should not throw garbage there. Our rules state that there should be observance of parliamentary behavior or decorum,” Hontiveros said in a phone interview.

The senator also mentioned that Duterte tried to hijack the hearing by instilling fear to defend his crackdown against crime in Davao City.

The former president was accused by former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Royina Garma of implementing a system that gives incentives and rewards to police officers if they kill a drug suspect.