Tensions flared during a congressional probe into the previous administration’s drug war when former President Rodrigo Duterte momentarily clashed with former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. This happened at the House of Representatives quad committee hearing on Wednesday. 

According to the report released by Inquirer, the heated exchange occurred during a break in the proceedings. It is when other big personalities, such as Leila de Lima, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, and others, were present.

The situation escalated after Trillanes accused Duterte and his relatives of having bank accounts linked to drug lords. 

To this, Deputy Speaker David Suarez asked the former president about this matter. Duterte grips a microphone, which he directed toward Trillanes. 

“Will the former president be okay that if we draft the waiver now, that it be signed today instead of tomorrow?  Will you be fine with that, Mr. President?”

“Ano’ng kapalit sir? Sampalin ko siya sa publiko? Hindi, ngayon na, sasampalin ko sa publiko,” Duterte responded.

Also Read: Department of Justice Starts Drug War Case

Trillanes’s accusation was not new. For years, he has been vocal about his claims of Duterte’s supposed financial ties to criminal syndicates. However, Duterte has consistently denied the allegations and dismissed them as politically motivated.

The brief confrontation at the hearing underscored the long-standing animosity between the two figures. They have had several public clashes over the years. 

The exchange also raised questions about the conduct of public officials during official proceedings. In fact, co-chairperson Rep. Benny Abante warned the former president not to use ‘vulgar words’ during the meeting. 

Despite the tension, no physical altercation occurred, and the hearing resumed after the break with Suarez reminding everyone to exercise decorum.

“Please, please observe proper decorum. We are in a committee hearing. We have already stressed from the very beginning that the proper rules, decorum, will be implemented regardless of who you are.  We live by a set of rules in this committee, and those set of rules will be followed, and those set of rules will be implemented,” Suarez said.

“I just would like to apologize for the unbecoming behavior,” he said.

“Thank you so much for your apology, it is accepted, and I hope that the others beside you would also observe proper decorum.  But thank you so much for your apology,” Suarez replied.

The incident highlights the continuing political divide in the Philippines. This is particularly in the context of investigations into Duterte’s controversial drug war and its aftermath. 

Also Read: Duterte Admits He Had a Death Squad as Mayor of Davao City

To know more about the current issue between the two political personalities, check the details below!

How do the ongoing public clashes between Duterte and Trillanes impact the perception of political accountability in the Philippines?

The repeated public clashes between Duterte and Trillanes contribute to the perception that political accountability remains a highly contentious issue in the Philippines. 

Their rivalry highlights the difficulty in achieving a resolution over allegations of corruption and abuse of power. Both figures continue to dominate discussions in today’s Quad Committee hearing. 

What is the significance of the ongoing investigations and tensions between both parties during the Quad Committee hearing today?

The ongoing tensions between Duterte and Trillanes are rooted in the investigation into Duterte’s past administration. This is particularly regarding the controversial drug war. Trillanes has been vocal about alleged financial ties between Duterte’s family and criminal syndicates. With this, Duterte has consistently denied these allegations. 

This conflict remains central to today’s Quad Committee hearing, as both figures continue to dominate political discussions in the Philippines. 

Both Duterte and Trillanes will continue to be central figures in the ongoing quadcom meeting.

---

Keep Reading: Ex-President Duterte Withdraws Candidacy for Davao City Mayor