From left to right: La Union District 1 Representative Paolo Ortega V, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Zambales District 1 Representative Jay Khonghun (Facebook, photo Malacañang)

Members of the “Young Guns” House bloc want the country’s institutions to pounce on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s apparent admission of his responsibilities in crimes during his administration’s bloody war on drugs.

Tingog Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre MP; Zambales District 1 Majority Deputy Leaders Rep. Jay Khonghun, Nueva Ecija District 1, Rep. Mika Suansing, La Union District 1, Paolo Ortega; and Cagayan de Oro City District 1 Representative Lordan Suan released a joint statement on Monday afternoon, October 28, calling on the justice system to “seize this moment and act without fear or favor.”

Duterte made the admission during his appearance at the inquiry of the other legislative chamber – the Senate – on the previous administration’s anti-narcotics campaign.

Acidre said Duterte’s statement at the Senate hearing leaves no room for leniency. “Duterte’s admission has removed any ambiguity.”

“Duterte must be held accountable”

“The former president has publicly accepted responsibility for these deaths. If we truly stand by the principles of justice and the rule of law, then Mr. Duterte must be held accountable. He must go to jail for these EJKs (extrajudicial writs). It’s not about politics; it’s about justice,” he said.

Acidre stressed that no one, especially those in positions of power, should be immune from legal consequences. “Duterte’s words gave the justice system a clear mandate to act. As public servants, our duty is to uphold justice, not to protect individuals. Duterte must face legal consequences for his actions.”

ICC option

Khonghun echoed Acidre’s position: “Duterte’s admission provides an opportunity to reaffirm our nation’s commitment to the rule of law. This is a critical time for our institutions to show their strength by pursuing the legal accountability that so many families have been waiting for,” he said.

Ortega emphasized the potential role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) if domestic avenues fail.

“If the Philippine authorities do not act, the ICC could be a crucial avenue for justice. We must ensure accountability for the lives lost and demonstrate that no one is above the law,” he noted.

For her part, Suansing emphasized the role of government institutions in ensuring that justice is upheld.

“Our judicial and investigative bodies now have a duty to act on this recognition. The very words of the former president must be met with a serious response. For too long, the victims of EJK have been waiting for answers,” she said.

DOJ, Ombudsman “must act decisively”

Suan, a lawyer, called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman to launch a full investigation.

“We cannot ignore such an admission. These institutions must act decisively and transparently to restore confidence in our justice system,” he said.

Acidre also said, “Our nation is at a crucial moment and the way forward is clear: Duterte must be held accountable to the law. May this be the moment we stand firm for justice, dignity and the lives lost.”