Entitlement like no other

After dropping a bombshell in the Senate regarding former president Duterte's drug war where a reward system for police officers who kill illegal drug suspects existed, the former Davao police officer, former Cebu PNP chief, and former general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) fled to the United States. The reason for her leaving is not clear. Was it because of the fear of being retaliated against by former president Duterte, or because she would face a charge of murder for her alleged involvement in the murder of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga in July 2020?

She was prevented from entering the US because her visa had been canceled. The Senate should investigate how she was allowed to leave if her visa was canceled. Isn't immigration strict at NAIA? She went with her daughter Angelica Garma Vilela. The Department of Justice did not release any details regarding the detention of Garma, but surely the help of American officials was immediately requested. Maybe her visa was cancelled mid-flight. So, both will be flying back on November 13. She tried to do an Alice Guo. With the speed of today's communication technology, it isn't easy to flee.

Since she was caught fleeing the country, Garma has no choice but to cooperate with the government about the charges to be filed against those involved in the previous administration's bloody campaign against illegal drugs. Unless she keeps her mouth shut and waits for her day in court. I would assume she would ask for some kind of protection from any reprisal against her. She isn’t just implicating the former president but two prominent senators of the latter as well.

The only question is if this administration is willing to file a case against the concerned individuals. Can they file a case against the senators, the police, and Duterte himself? Or will the hearings in the Senate be meaningless? In Wednesday’s quad committee hearing, Duterte taunted the International Criminal Court (ICC) to rush its investigation on him because he may die anytime. But without hesitating he states the ICC has no jurisdiction over the investigation. Tense moments occurred when Duterte gestured a fist at former senator Leila de Lima and wanted to throw a microphone at former senator Trillanes for his accusations that Duterte enriched himself with drug money. Any other individual would have been thrown in contempt for these actions, but not Duterte who still enjoys an entitlement like no other.