Former President Rodrigo Duterte  on November 13, 2024 during the Quad-Comm hearing on the extrajudicial killings, addressing alleged human rights violations from his administration’s war on drugs. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it "acknowledges" the recommendation of the House of Representatives to file charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher "Bong" Go, and several others for crimes against humanity over the previous administration's bloody war on drugs.

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"The CHR acknowledges the recommendation of the [QuadComm] to pursue charges of crimes against humanity against those involved in the alleged extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration's nationwide anti-illegal drug campaign," the CHR said in a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

"It is high time every one recognizes that true justice requires sustainable and humane solutions and establish measures to prevent future injustices. No one, regardless of position or rank, should be allowed to stand above the law," it added.

The House also recommended charges against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma, former National Police Commission (Napolcom) commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and former palace aide Ermina "Muking" Espino.

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The CHR said it "consistently monitored" the testimonies, affidavits and sworn statement of all resource persons during the 13 hearings so far conducted by the Quad Committee.

"This is in fulfillment of our CHR’s mandate to ensure that human rights violations are actively addressed by the state and that perpetrators are held accountable," it said.

"The CHR recognizes the tireless work carried out by the QuadComm in ascertaining facts through a public inquiry in aid of legislation," the CHR added.

The Commission said it takes note of the Quad Comm's move to pass a measure classifying extrajudicial killing as a heinous crime and imposing death penalty on this type of criminal act.

"The CHR has been relentless in urging the Philippine government to bring full justice to the families of the victims of extrajudicial killings. On its part, the Commission is working towards its independent pursuit of truth and justice regarding the bloody campaign against illegal drugs," the CHR said.

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"It cannot allow any gaps that would enable the culture of abuse and impunity to grow further in this country, which is imbued with democratic principles," it added.

Go and Dela Rosa earlier said they were leaving the matter to the Philippine courts should charges be filed against them. However, they claimed the Quad Committee's recommendations were baseless and meant to "demolish" Duterte and his allies.

Last week, the mega panel's lead chairperson Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the partial findings and recommendations of the Quad Committee were not politically-motivated.

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"The CHR views the collective action of the Philippine government and civil society towards supporting the victims of extrajudicial killings and their families as a crucial step in reshaping the Philippines’ drug policy in a way that upholds human rights, justice, and accountability. As duty-bearers and rights-holders, it is every one’s responsibility to address the nation’s pressing issues with unwavering respect for the rule of law," the CHR said.

The Quad Committee hearings are expected to continue in January.

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