Pimentel on Duterte: "We're Not Close Anymore" – The Senate Probe Takes a New Turn

As old alliances crumble, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III asserts his independence amid the controversial investigation into the drug war.

Philippine Headlines / 5:50 AM GMT-3 • November 6, 2024

In a dramatic turn of events within the Philippine Senate, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has publicly distanced himself from former President Rodrigo Duterte, asserting that their once-close political alliance has dissolved. This development comes at a crucial time as Pimentel leads the Senate's Blue Ribbon subcommittee investigation into Duterte's bloody drug war, which has drawn significant scrutiny both domestically and internationally. The implications of this rift are monumental, not just for Pimentel and Duterte, but for the future of Philippine politics as the country grapples with the consequences of a controversial administration.

--- The Shift in Alliances Pimentel's declaration of no longer being a supporter of Duterte marks a significant shift in the political landscape. Once allies under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), their relationship has soured due to diverging beliefs, particularly regarding Duterte's handling of critical national issues like the West Philippine Sea. The fracture within the PDP-Laban party itself reflects a broader discontent with Duterte's policies, leading to a reassessment of loyalties among former supporters. Duterte's Senate Appearance Duterte's recent appearance at the Senate was met with mixed reactions. While he attempted to maintain his familiar, often brash style, Pimentel faced criticism for allowing the former president to dominate the proceedings. Observers noted that Duterte's long-winded narratives and frequent swearing seemed to overshadow the investigation's objectives. Pimentel, however, defended his approach, stating, "I got desensitized about the cursing," indicating a strategic decision to let Duterte speak freely to potentially reveal incriminating details. Key Revelations and Their Implications During the Senate hearings, Duterte made several bombshell admissions, including the existence of death squads and directives to police to provoke suspects into violent confrontations. Pimentel emphasized that while Duterte's statements were shocking, they must be thoroughly investigated and not taken at face value. He expressed his commitment to an impartial review of the evidence, stating, "I will simply look at the evidence." The Challenge of Political Allies Pimentel also acknowledged the overwhelming presence of Duterte's allies in the Senate, such as Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa, who have been implicated in the controversial drug war. Their dual roles as both interrogators and witnesses in the probe raise questions about the objectivity of the investigation. Pimentel's challenge lies in navigating this complex political landscape while ensuring that the truth comes to light. ---

> "I’m no longer Digong’s supporter now, so we have our political differences. We do not communicate. We are not close, and he has absolutely zero influence over me, especially on the way I think." – Aquilino Pimentel III on ANC’s Headstart.

---

The unraveling of Pimentel's relationship with Duterte signals a pivotal moment in Philippine politics, as the Senate probe into the drug war continues to unfold. With Pimentel asserting his independence and commitment to a fair investigation, the implications of these developments could reshape the political landscape for years to come. As the nation watches closely, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will influence the ongoing discourse surrounding accountability, governance, and the rule of law in the Philippines.

User Comments

There are no more blogs to show

Home Shop Groups

Ai Content Generator

Ai Picture

Tell Your Story