Truth Commission begins hearing war on drugs cases

MANILA, Philippines — The independent civilian Truth Commission will hold its first hearing today on the testimonies of alleged victims in the war on drugs of former president Duterte.

Commission chairman Raul Pangalangan, a former International Criminal Court (ICC) judge, told dzBB that the testimony of Luzviminda Siapo, mother of alleged drug war victim Raymart, is among the cases that would be heard at the Pope Pius XII Center along United Nations Avenue today.

Raymart was allegedly taken by 14 armed men and accused of selling marijuana on March 29, 2017. He was shot twice in the head.

Salvador Panelo, who served as Duterte’s chief presidential legal counsel, said the Truth Commission would just be propaganda.

“For one, I cannot understand why there should be a Truth Commission, it seems to be the wrong platform. If the intention is to prosecute those who are involved in the so-called tokhang, the proper remedy is to file cases against those who are accountable. If you hold a Truth Commission, there is no chance for the respondents, whoever they may be, to be heard. If you will file a case, there is a process by which the respondents or the accused can defend themselves,” Panelo said. 

“If it is a Truth Commission, it will just be for propaganda. It will only be one-sided,” he added.

Pangalangan said Siapo’s case may be added to the ICC cases, noting that the information and testimonies during the commission hearings would also be sent to relevant government agencies.

He said the commission has written to government agencies, seeking their cooperation and access to records. 

“We would send the information not only to the Philippine government, but if necessary to international agencies, human rights units or international organizations,” Pangalangan said. 

Also in the Truth Commission are Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, professor Al Fuertes, Adamson University president Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario and human rights advocate Carlos Conde.