Duterte’s Drug Trade Dilemma: Will He Face the House Probe?

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

In a country where politics is often a theater of intrigue and suspense, Manila Representative Joel Chua’s challenge to former President Rodrigo Duterte marks a new chapter in the Philippines’ enduring saga with the illegal drug trade. On a sweltering July afternoon, Chua dared Duterte to step into the glaring lights of a congressional probe, casting shadows of doubt over the former president’s legacy and reigniting a firestorm of controversy.

A Brewing Storm: Understanding the Context

The allegations swirling around Duterte are not new, but their implications have reached a fever pitch. At the center of this storm is Michael Yang, Duterte’s former economic adviser, who has been ordered arrested by the House committee on dangerous drugs after repeatedly ignoring a congressional subpoena. Yang’s ties to Lincoln Ong, an incorporator in a company linked to a warehouse in Pampanga where P3.6 billion worth of shabu was seized, have raised serious questions. The connections suggest a network of illicit activities that potentially implicate Duterte and his close allies, including Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa.

Dismissed police colonel Eduardo Acierto’s testimony before the committee added fuel to the fire. Acierto’s account of discovering Yang and his alleged business partner Allan Lim’s links to illegal drugs, followed by the mysterious disappearance and presumed death of Police Capt. Lito Perote, paints a picture of a deeply entrenched and protected drug network. Acierto’s claims that Duterte and de la Rosa acted as “protectors” of this network only intensify the drama.

Critiquing Chua’s Challenge

Chua’s challenge can be viewed from multiple angles, each offering a different lens on his motives and the broader implications.

Demand for Accountability: Chua frames his challenge as a call for Duterte and his allies to honor their duties to the Filipino people. By urging Duterte to face the allegations head-on, Chua positions himself as a champion of transparency and justice.
Political Grandstanding: Skeptics might argue that Chua’s challenge is a calculated move to gain political capital. By taking on a figure as polarizing as Duterte, Chua ensures widespread attention and positions himself as a key player in a high-stakes drama.
Public Sentiment: The Filipino public, weary of ongoing corruption and drug-related violence, may view Chua’s challenge as a necessary step towards uncovering the truth. Yet, there is always the risk of disillusionment if the probe leads to another dead end.

Legal Avenues for Probing Duterte

Rep. Chua has several legal options to pursue a thorough investigation into Duterte’s alleged involvement in the drug trade. Here are the key mechanisms:

Congressional Inquiry: Under Article VI, Section 21 of the Philippine Constitution, Congress has the power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. This allows the House committee on dangerous drugs to summon witnesses, gather evidence, and issue subpoenas. Duterte, as a former president, is not immune from being called to testify.
Judicial Investigation: The judiciary can be invoked to conduct investigations and trials. The Supreme Court of the Philippines, in cases such as Estrada v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 148965), has upheld the principle that public officials, including former presidents, can be held accountable for their actions while in office.
Ombudsman Investigation: The Office of the Ombudsman, empowered by the Constitution and Republic Act No. 6770, can initiate investigations into corruption and misconduct by public officials. If substantial evidence is found, the Ombudsman can file charges with the Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court.

The Gathering Storm

The unfolding drama pits Duterte’s steadfast denials and his administration’s defense of Yang against mounting evidence and public outcry. Will Duterte heed Chua’s call and subject himself to the scrutiny of a House probe? Or will this challenge expose deeper layers of a political system mired in secrecy and complicity?

As the former president’s political and personal fortunes teeter on the brink, the Filipino people await a resolution that upholds justice and transparency. The gravity of the situation is palpable, and the result is up in the air, but what remains clear is the urgent need for accountability and the restoration of public trust in the rule of law.

Conclusion

In the midst of this unfolding saga, the call for Duterte to face the House probe is not merely a political maneuver; it is a pivotal moment for the Philippines. Whether Chua’s challenge is seen as a genuine quest for justice or a bid for political gain, the legal and moral imperatives remain. Duterte’s response, or lack thereof, will undoubtedly shape the nation’s ongoing battle against the illegal drug trade and its quest for a government that truly serves its people.