
‘EVASIVE’
MANILA Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., co-chair of the House Quad Committee, has criticized Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for using the media to divert attention instead of facing the committee’s hearing on war on drugs.
Dela Rosa, then chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is allegedly led the implementation of the bloody war on drugs during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Ang ating Senador Bato dela Rosa, nung tinanong siya, ayaw naman niyang humarap sa amin. Pinapaharap namin para maging malinaw ang lahat ng bagay. Anong ginagawa niya? Nagpupunta sa media. Kung anu-ano ang pinagsasabi niya,” Abante, chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, said in his opening remarks during the Quad Comm’s 14th hearing.
Abante emphasized that the committee’s purpose is not politically motivated but is driven by the pursuit of truth and accountability.
“Kung meron man ditong nagsasabi na we’re gathered here because of politics, gusto naming humarap siya dito para sabihin sa amin directly,” he said, urging detractors to address their concerns head-on.
The lawmaker reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring justice without resorting to extrajudicial measures or turning the whole country into a “killing fields.”
“Ayaw po nating mahulog ang bansa sa droga pero ayaw din natin ang buong Pilipinas maging killing fields, na pumatay tayo na hindi sinusunod ang Saligang Batas,” he stressed.
Abante also pointed out that despite the heavy-handed approach of the previous Duterte administration, the illegal drug problem persists.
“Ang question dito ay ito: nawala ba? Hindi nawala ang drugs, ganoon pa rin. Ang inaakala po namin dito ay baka naman tinanggal natin ang kumpetisyon para ang maiwan na lamang sa drug trade ay ‘yung mga nasa kapangyarihan,” he said.
He further accused certain law enforcement officials of failing in their duty to uphold the law and instead becoming instruments of abuse.
Abante asserted that the Quad Comm remains committed to uncovering the truth and rectifying injustices.