The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that any subpoena to be sent to former President Rodrigo Duterte is not directly related to charges of crimes against humanity, according to DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres.
This clarification comes amidst ongoing DOJ investigations into alleged widespread killings in the name of the war on drugs, should the agency decide to issue a subpoena to the former president.
Usec. Andres explained that as part of due process, the former president needs to be summoned if the DOJ formulates a complaint that can be presented against him.
Currently, the DOJ continues to gather evidence from the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and other agencies to build a formal complaint.
Once a complaint is established, the accused needs to be summoned to be given the opportunity to explain their side.
Usec. Andres stated that this is the primary reason for a potential summons or subpoena for the former president, and not specifically due to crimes against humanity.
Previously, the Quad Committee of the House of Representatives recommended filing charges against former President Duterte and several allies, following 13 series of hearings.
The primary charges that could be filed against the former president, according to the Quad Committee, are Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide, based on the evidence presented during its series of hearings.