How Senate can exceed quad comm probe of EJKs

"Huwad comm versus Quad comm." That went viral when Sen. Bato dela Rosa announced he wants to investigate extrajudicial killings under Rody Duterte's presidency.

- 

Senate President Chiz Escudero at once nixed Dela Rosa. Reasons: Dela Rosa cannot investigate himself. As PNP chief in 2016-2018 when 36,000 druggies allegedly were killed by cops, he's a prime suspect like Duterte.

Dela Rosa wants motu proprio hearings, by himself with no referral from the adjourned Senate. But his committee on public order and dangerous drugs has no such authority.

Dela Rosa's probe will be a cheap imitation of the one by the House quad comm. Congressmen craft questions that leave killer cops tongue-tied then confessing. Movie star senators can't match them.

Escudero assigned the inquiry to the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, which has motu proprio power. Minority leader Koko Pimentel is to be temporary BRC chairman.

Pimentel may resent Duterte and Dela Rosa's hijack of his PDP-Laban party.

But the Bar exam topnotch is a stickler for fairness.

The House quad comm couldn't coax Duterte and Dela Rosa to attend its hearings. The two suspect congressmen of bias.

Duterte won't go even if accompanied by son Rep. Paolo Duterte. Invoking inter-chamber courtesy, Dela Rosa replies to accusations via the media.

But Duterte will attend the BRC on Monday, Oct. 28, Dela Rosa assures.

"Dela Rosa can use the hearing as an opportunity to question resource persons or air his side," Pimentel adds.

But only one scene can make Pimentel's hearings surpass the nine ones by quad comm: Give ex-senator Leila de Lima the chance to confront her accusers Duterte and Dela Rosa.