Sotto to Bello: I have preserved the independence of the Senate

MANILA, Philippines — Vice presidential candidate Walden Bello on Saturday accused fellow aspirant Senate President Vicente Sotto III of “rewriting history” with his current stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the war on drugs under the present administration.

Sotto, speaking at the CNN Philippines vice presidential debate, said he is in favor of allowing the ICC to enter the country to investigate the war on drugs.

READ: Sotto believes gov’t should allow ICC see PH’s anti-drug drive

“Kung gusto mag-imbestiga ng ICC, hayaan natin sila mag-imbestiga, kung wala tayo tinatago, wala tayong dapat katakutan,” he said when asked about his stance.

Bello, on the other hand, said that the next administration should fully cooperate, but there should be coordination with the local justice system and the ICC. “President Duterte should be prosecuted and I believe he will be prosecuted and will be brought to the Hague.”

Sotto’s response, however, seemed not to sit well with Bello who retorted: “Noong kasagsagan nung war on drugs, did he say anything critical of the President? Did he protect Sen. Leila de Lima? He was just supportive during that time the President was destroying the integrity of the Senate.”

“Senator Sotto, please don’t re-write history! You were an ally of the president until just very recently. Let’s be frank with our kababayan, naman, wag tayo magsisinungaling dito… Oh, boy, come on!”

Sotto, however, said that the senate has always remained independent when it comes to the issue.

“What do you mean by ally? Kung dahil kami magkaibigan, ally na ako? I have preserved the independence of senate, always. And you can ask the members of the minority and the majority… I don’t think it’s wrong if I’m a friend of the President. As long as the Senate is independent,” Sotto pointed out.

je