Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte defended his drug war that killed thousands at a congressional inquiry that’s taking place amid a deepening feud between his clan and incumbent leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do and whether you believe it or not, I did it for my country,” Duterte said at the Senate probe on Monday. It was the first time the former leader showed up at an inquiry by lawmakers into his anti-drug campaign since his term ended in 2022.
Duterte said police had the right to protect themselves when their lives were at risk, repeating a justification for his deadly drug war that he’s made during his term. "I and I alone take full legal responsibility in all of the actions committed by the police pursuant to my order,” he said.
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