Former President Rodrigo Duterte faced a Senate inquiry on Monday, October 28, emerging with a revitalized public image after critics failed to pin him down on longstanding allegations. The hearing, chaired by Senator Koko Pimentel, saw Duterte taking the opportunity to reframe his narrative, counter allegations, and discredit his political adversaries.
The inquiry, expected by many to be a major blow to Duterte’s legacy, instead provided him with a platform to emphasize his lifelong dedication to the Filipino people. Throughout the hearing, Duterte reiterated his loyalty to the country, positioning himself as a leader steadfast in his convictions.
DE LIMA UNDER SCRUTINY
Among those questioning Duterte was former Senator Leila de Lima, who has long been at odds with the former president. De Lima, who previously chaired the Commission on Human Rights and served as Justice Secretary, has accused Duterte of human rights abuses during his term. However, the inquiry shifted attention to her own record, with Duterte allies, led by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, pointing to what they called her failures and political biases.
Estrada called De Lima’s efforts against Duterte a “mismanagement of resources and priorities,” questioning the lack of concrete results in her pursuit of accountability against the former president. De Lima, who remains detained on drug-related charges, was not physically present but was represented by her legal counsel.
ALLEGATIONS OF COERCION AGAINST CONGRESSMEN
The Senate hearing also spotlighted Congressmen Benny Abante and Dan Fernandez, members of the so-called “Quad Comm.” They faced allegations of attempting to pressure Police Colonel Hector Grejalde into providing false testimony against Duterte. Evidence presented during the hearing suggested efforts to manipulate Grejalde, a move that critics labeled as a deliberate attempt to undermine Duterte’s defense.
In a press statement, Abante and Fernandez denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the claims as politically motivated attacks.
HONTIVEROS STRUGGLES TO HOLD GROUND
Senator Risa Hontiveros, a vocal critic of Duterte, took a central role in the inquiry, attempting to grill the former president on legal technicalities. However, her exchanges were repeatedly disrupted by emotional outbursts and calls for order, leading to several temporary suspensions of the hearing.
Duterte supporters capitalized on the moment, casting Hontiveros’s performance as a sign of the opposition’s lack of preparation and strategic coherence. In a separate interview, Duterte’s legal team criticized what they called “theatrics” aimed at derailing the inquiry.
PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL AFTERMATH
The inquiry’s outcome has seemingly bolstered Duterte’s public image, despite initial predictions that it could harm his legacy. Political analysts have noted a growing sentiment among his supporters that Duterte successfully defended his record against an opposition that appeared fragmented and unfocused.
Meanwhile, sources within the Senate have hinted at a strategic shift among some of Duterte’s critics, with talk of scaling back further confrontations to avoid damaging their own standing.
DUTERTE REMAINS DEFIANT
As the hearing adjourned, Duterte remained defiant, reiterating his love for the Filipino people and his commitment to public service. “I am here to clear my name and defend the truth,” Duterte told reporters. “I have nothing to hide, and I will continue to fight for what is right.”
While the inquiry may not have delivered the reckoning Duterte’s critics had hoped for, it underscored the enduring divisions in Philippine politics—and the challenges his opponents continue to face in discrediting his legacy.