MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa gave assurance to the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) that he would not block its proposed budget for 2021, unlike some legislators who he said seeks to “get even” with their opponents by supposedly holding hostage the budget of a government agency.
During Tuesday’s deliberations of the Senate on the proposed P860.5-million budget of the CHR for next year, Dela Rosa expressed support for the funding for the commission.
Dela Rosa, former chief of the Philippine National Police, is known as the architect of the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war, which has been subjected to widespread criticisms and opposition from human rights groups and advocates.
“Alam kong sila ay very much worried na baka haharangin ko yung kanilang budget dito sa ating hearing na ito, pero rest assured, sasabihin ko po na hindi po ako kagaya ng ibang legislators na ginagamit yung power of the purse to get even doon sa kanilang mga opponents,” the senator said.
“Kagaya yung ginagawa ng iba na hinaharang… hino-hostage yung budget ng government agency that is actively pursuing their allies,” he added.
Earlier, the House deliberations on the proposed budget of the Presidential Communications Operations Office were earlier suspended “until further notice” after progressive lawmakers denounced the red-tagging activities of one of its officials.
Dela Rosa confirmed to INQUIRER.net in a text message that he was referring to the suspension of discussions of the PCOO’s budget in the lower chamber.
“Kaya ako po, lantarang sasabihin ko sainyo na I am fully supporting your (CHR) budget,” the senator went on.
Dela Rosa, likewise, said he would also back any request for additional funding for the CHR.
“Kung gusto niyong dagdagan ‘yan, suporta pa rin ako,” he said.
While he said he was “very happy” with the CHR’s condemnation of the twin bombings that earlier rocked Jolo, Dela Rosa said the commission should also apply the same denunciation to “atrocities” committed by communist rebels.
“Sana ganun kayo kabilis mag-condemn,” Dela Rosa said.
“Wag po kayong mag-alala, suportado ko kayo at all costs,” he added.