MANILA, Philippines – The Senate justice committee on Thursday resumed its inquiry on the rising number of drug-related killings in the country with a new panel chair.
For its fourth hearing, Sen. Leila de Lima, former chairperson of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee will be replaced by Sen. Richard Gordon.
Among the agenda of the fourth hearing is to revisit Senate resolutions 9 and 151 to investigate the recent rampant extrajudicial killings and summary executions of suspected criminals as well as discuss the privilege speeches of De Lima, Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Risa Hontiveros delivered on Aug. 2, 2016.
Last week, self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato testified before the Senate and claimed he is a member of Davao Death Squad tasked to kill criminals in Davao City. He tagged President Rodrigo Duterte as behind the killing. Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV said Matobato will still testify before the Senate. Watch the hearing LIVE starting 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept 22, 2016: