PROTECT THE YOUTH: Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa presides over the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs hearing to discuss the alleged issue of continuous radicalization and recruitment of students in educational institutions to become members of the local communist terrorist groups. Senate PRIB photo / Joseph Vidal
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Wednesday vowed to do everything in his power to pin down Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel for the latter’s alleged involvement in the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
“That’s why this person was so happy when they were made to believe that the International Criminal Court (ICC) would be allowed to enter the Philippines. He was really happy that the ICC would investigate me. Let’s see now, I will investigate you. I will do all my parliamentary powers to pin you down. You are actually a member of the CPP, which is the party of the NPA that is trying to destroy this government,” said De la Rosa, partly in Filipino.
Dela Rosa aired his frustration after former rebels Arian Jane Ramos and Kate Raca testified that Manuel is, indeed, a member of the CPP, recruiting students to be a part of NPA.
Ramos and Raca’s statements caused Dela Rosa to fume over Manuel.
The senator then stressed that his “blood is boiling” whenever he looks at the Kabataan Partylist Representative.
“We might be laughing right now, but for all we know — this is a very serious matter. You can just imagine a Congressman of the Republic of the Philippines enjoying all the perks and everything at the same time undermining this government and undermining the state,” said Dela Rosa.
READ: Elago denies Kabataan Party-list group recruiting for NPA
With these supposed revelations, Dela Rosa said he has become “more emboldened” to move for stronger measures to ensure that this Partylist system does not become a “ticket” for “leftists” to recruit the youth to become members of the CPP-NPA.
READ: Dela Rosa tags Makabayan bloc opposing VP Sara’s CIF as ‘enemies of peace’
But Kabataan Party-list, hours after dela Rosa aired his remarks, made it clear that the senator’s words are mere accusations.
“This is not senatorial behavior. This is a waste of Senate resources and an abuse of public funds. No official should use his position in the government to exceed his responsibility and attack the youth and our countrymen who promote justice,” said Kabataan Partylist in Filipino.
It then reiterated that if there’s an investigation that should take place, it’s the probe against all who initiated the bloody war on drugs that took place during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.