DELA ROSA INVOKES CONGRESS’ POWER OF INQUIRY: Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, chair of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, believes his committee can investigate the P6.7-billion shabu seized in Manila in October 2022 involving high-ranking police officers. (Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Philippine National Police was detained after the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs cited them for contempt on Tuesday.
Capt. Jonathan Sosongco, head of the PNP’s Drug Enforcement Unit-Special Operations Unit, earned the ire of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for what seemed to be an evasion of questions regarding the identity of the informant in connection with the seizure of 990 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine or shabu worth P6.7 billion.
This was reportedly the subject of the pilferage attempt.
Sosongco was among the 49 cops found liable for the alleged cover-up of irregularities in the police operation.
READ: Search on for missing ‘shabu’ in P6.7-billion drug haul
Bato asked Sosongco who the informant was, but the latter said he only had the informant’s phone number.
When asked about the phone number, Sosongco said the phone where the number was saved was already gone.
“Sobra na ang panlolokong ginagawa sa atin nito. Nauubos ang oras natin dito,” Bato said.
(This alibi is too much. You’re taking too much of our time.)
Senator Bato Dela Rosa then cited Sosongco for contempt.
His fellow lawmakers did not object to the motion.
“Sergeant of Arms, take physical custody of Lieutenant General Sosongco,” Bato ordered.
“Sobrang magsinungaling ito. Tinatawagan mo tapos wala kang number? Ganoon ka na lang manloko sa committee na ito?”
(This man is lying too much. You called the informant. Then you will tell us you don’t have the number? You just fool this committee like that?)