In the relentless battle against illegal drugs, the Philippines has become a battlefield scarred by blood and shrouded in secrecy. The recent decision by lawmakers to invite whistleblowers Arturo Lascañas and Eduardo Acierto to a House inquiry marks a pivotal moment in unraveling the murky depths of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war. The stakes have never been higher, as the inquiry aims to illuminate the shadowy corridors of power where alleged complicity in the illegal drug trade and related crimes have festered.

The House committee on dangerous drugs has turned its spotlight on a staggering multi-billion-peso shabu bust in Central Luzon. This is no ordinary probe; it’s a bid to confront the deeply entrenched corruption and criminality that have plagued the nation’s war on drugs. The presence of Lascañas and Acierto, both of whom have publicly denounced Duterte’s methods and alleged involvement in the drug trade, promises to be a game-changer. Their testimonies could expose the very rot at the core of this brutal campaign.

Lascañas, a self-confessed former member of the Davao Death Squad, has painted a damning portrait of Duterte’s tenure as Davao City mayor, claiming a sinister alliance with businessmen like Michael Yang and Sammy Uy in the drug trade. Acierto, a former anti-drug cop, echoes these accusations, alleging that intelligence reports linking Yang and others to illegal drugs were systematically ignored or suppressed by Duterte and the Philippine National Police. The implications are chilling and demand a thorough and impartial investigation.

The proliferation of illegal drugs in the Philippines is a scourge that has wreaked havoc on countless lives. The associated crimes — from extrajudicial killings to rampant corruption — have left a trail of devastation that threatens the very fabric of society. Addressing this issue is not just a matter of law enforcement; it’s a moral imperative that requires unwavering commitment to justice and accountability.

An impartial inquiry is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it seeks to pierce the veil of impunity that has allowed high-ranking officials and influential businessmen to evade accountability. The allegations against Duterte, Yang, and their associates are not mere rumors; they are supported by credible testimonies and documented evidence. A transparent and unbiased investigation could finally bring to light the systemic failures and deliberate obstructions that have perpetuated the drug crisis.

Secondly, the inquiry aims to uphold the rule of law. The arbitrary violence and human rights abuses committed under the guise of the drug war have eroded public trust in the justice system. Thousands of extrajudicial killings have been reported, with many victims denied due process and their families left in anguish. By holding those in power accountable, the inquiry could restore faith in the rule of law and ensure that justice is served for all victims.

Moreover, the inquiry must lead to comprehensive legislation that addresses the root causes of the drug problem. This includes strengthening anti-corruption measures, ensuring stringent oversight of law enforcement agencies, and implementing robust protection for whistleblowers. The current legal framework has proven inadequate in curbing the spread of illegal drugs and the accompanying violence. New laws must be enacted to close existing loopholes and fortify the nation’s defenses against this pervasive threat.

Equal protection under the law is a fundamental tenet of democracy. The investigation into Duterte’s drug war must be conducted without fear or favor, scrutinizing past and present leaders alike. This ensures that justice is not selective but universal, setting a precedent that no one is above the law. The revelations from the inquiry could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms, promoting transparency and accountability across all levels of government.

Unity among Filipinos is paramount in this pursuit of justice. The drug war has left deep scars on the national psyche, dividing communities and fostering an environment of fear and mistrust. A thorough and fair investigation, with transparent proceedings, could help heal these wounds. It presents an opportunity for the country to come together, confront its past, and commit to a future where human rights are respected, and the rule of law prevails.

To ensure the success of this inquiry, several measures are necessary:

1. Independent Oversight: Establish an independent commission comprising human rights experts, legal scholars, and civil society representatives to oversee the investigation, ensuring impartiality and credibility.

2. Witness Protection Programs: Implement robust protection for whistleblowers and witnesses who can provide critical information about the drug war. Their safety and anonymity must be guaranteed to encourage full disclosure.

3. International Collaboration: Seek assistance and collaboration from international human rights organizations to lend expertise and ensure that the investigation meets global standards of fairness and thoroughness.

4. Public Transparency: Maintain a high level of transparency throughout the investigation process. Regular updates and findings should be communicated to the public to build trust and support for the inquiry’s outcomes.

5. Legislative Reforms: Draft and enact new laws or amend existing ones based on the inquiry’s findings to strengthen anti-drug measures and protect human rights. This legislative response should be swift and comprehensive to prevent future abuses.

The time has come for the Philippines to confront the shadows of its drug war. By heeding the call for an impartial inquiry and enacting meaningful reforms, the nation can take a decisive step towards justice and accountability. The journey towards a just and humane society begins with a courageous look at the past, ensuring that the atrocities of yesterday do not define the tomorrow we build.