Dela Rosa sorry for dodging calls from Teves: ‘Wag muna, break muna sa communication’
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (Senate PRIB)
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa had this to say when he explained on Tuesday why he has been dodging calls from suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. who has been tagged behind the March 4 killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Teves is now reportedly in Timor Leste (East Timor) seeking asylum.
Last Monday, the suspended lawmaker made several attempts to talk to Dela Rosa, who is now leading the probe on the Degamo killing as chairman of the Senate committee on public order.
Dela Rosa said he did not pick up the calls, saying he prefers to talk to Teves in person.
“Pasensya ka na Arnie, kaibigan tayo pero wag muna, break muna sa communication dahil baka mamaya magawan tayo ng issue dyan. Kung mag-uusap tayo, usap tayo dito, magkita tayo. Pasensya ka na Arnie…,” he addressed Teves in a press briefing.
(I’m sorry, Arnie, we’re friends, but let’s take a break from communication for now because it might become an issue. If we need to talk, let’s talk in person. I’m sorry, Arnie)
“Ayokong magawan ng issue . I want to stay as clean as I can be,” added Dela Rosa, who served as the first Philippine National Police chief of then President Rodrigo Duterte.
The public order panel, which will resume its probe on Wednesday, earlier rejected Teves’ appeal to virtually participate in the proceeding.
Dela Rosa insisted that the investigation is in aid of legislation and could not be used by Teves as a basis for seeking asylum in other countries.
Nine others were killed when Degamo was gunned down attending to his constituents inside his residence in Barangay Isidro, Pamplona town.
