Members of the House of Representatives’ quad committee have raised concerns over the inconsistencies in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s statements during his appearance before the panel on November 13. These contradictions have left lawmakers questioning the reliability of his testimony.
“I myself have actually been puzzled by his inconsistencies. I can’t explain why… he’s like that. We should probably have an in-depth assessment and evaluation of the context of his replies,” said Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the overall quad chairman. Barbers highlighted the challenge of discerning whether Duterte’s remarks were serious, truthful, or made in jest, adding, “He is very difficult to read.”
One of the most debated points was Duterte’s stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC). He issued a bold challenge to the ICC to investigate him promptly but then backtracked, stating he would not submit to any foreign authority, preferring judgment by Filipino jurists and incarceration in the Philippines.
Duterte’s position on the alleged P2.4 billion in his bank accounts, exposed by his critic former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, also showcased contradictions. Initially, Duterte expressed a willingness to sign a bank waiver but later shifted, citing the joint nature of his financial dealings.
Adding to the confusion, Duterte claimed financial hardship as a retiree, even asking lawmakers to sponsor his travel to The Hague, yet paradoxically pledged P1 million to support police officers facing charges related to extrajudicial killings.
Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur expressed his concern over Duterte’s wavering commitment to signing an absolute bank waiver. “Is it now the understanding of the committee that when the former president was asked by chairman (Romeo) Acop, that the President be willing to sign any waiver, would that be safe to assume… that would be ‘conditional’?” Adiong clarified.
Adiong stressed that his assumption was based on Duterte’s initial, seemingly candid response: “The waiver? Yes, right away.” However, this promise appeared to waver over time.
Rep. Gerville Luistro, a lawyer by profession, also observed these contradictions. “The president made his testimonies inconsistent. I don’t know why,” she said in a TV interview, highlighting the former president’s complex presentation of facts despite his legal background as a former prosecutor.
Duterte’s statements, which began as straightforward assurances—such as his claim, “I’ll sign the waiver tomorrow (Nov. 14)”—left committee members questioning the authenticity of his intent as further deliberations unfolded.
