Barbers disputes Duterte's claim of coerced drug war witnesses in House hearing

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has challenged former President Rodrigo Duterte's assertion that witnesses in the drug war hearings were coerced. Barbers stated that lawmakers did not engage in subornation of perjury during the testimonies. Barbers noted that Police Col. Hector Grijaldo, who claimed he was pressured by lawmakers, has not appeared before the committee, suggesting his accusations lack credibility. Grijaldo previously alleged that he was urged to confirm a rewards system for police involved in the drug war. The quad committee hearing was held after Duterte's unexpected attendance, which lawmakers wanted to maximize. The discussions included claims about a rewards system for police killings during Duterte's administration, which have raised concerns about irregularities in the drug war operations.