Agusan del Norte’s Second District Rep. Dale B. Corverahas nothing but good words about former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s attendance in Monday’s Senate probe into the previous administration’s drug war.

“Despite his being a private citizen now, I saw on TV an old statesman still effectively connected with the people who longed for streets and surroundings that are free from drug addicts and criminals,” Corvera’s Facebook post on Tuesday read.

The inquiry of the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee has given the former president the platform to demonstrate once again his lifelong commitment to the welfare of the nation, which made him endeared to the Filipino masses.

He said it provided Duterte a unique opportunity to communicate directly with the nation, a clear reminder of the unbreakable bond between him and the people who miss him dearly.

“As a former city mayor myself, I share with FPRRD (Duterte) the same dream of having a city where people can live in peace and free from the bad elements of society,” said Corvera, former Agusan del Norte governor.

He added: “Of course, the rule of law and due process must be strictly observed in attaining this dream, but the realities of leadership show that criminals and bad elements of society are also pursuing their criminal activities while abusing the same ‘due process’ principle.”

He said that most profoundly, as the Filipinos watched these proceedings unfold, they saw a leader missed dearly by the Filipino masses because he was resolute in his convictions of having a livable country where people could roam the streets without fear.

"When you have nothing but pure intentions and move with love, you don't lose anyone... they lose you," Colverasaid.

During the Senate subcommittee hearing, Duterte declared he would take "full legal responsibility" for the drug war.

Appearing as a resource person but requested to be treated as a witness, he defended the police officials involved in the campaign, asserting that he is accountable for the killings that occurred during his administration.

“I and I alone, take full legal responsibility sa lahat ng nagawa ng mga pulis pursuant to my order. Ako ang managot at ako ang makulong. ‘Wag ang pulis nasumunod sa order ko. Kawawa naman, nagtatrabaho lang(I alone will take full legal responsibility for everything the police had done pursuant to my order. I will be responsible and I should be the one imprisoned. Don't blame the police who just followed my order. They were just doing their jobs),” he said.  

Duterte emphasized that he launched the drug war to protect Filipinos, stating he aimed to tackle the nation's illegal drug problem "firmly and without compromise."(AAA)