PROBE ON PDEA LEAK ISSUE CONTINUES: Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa continues the motu proprio public hearing and investigation on the alleged Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) leak issue, in aid of legislation, to further strengthen government capability and protection in handling classified documents and information on May 7, 2024. Bibo Nueva España / Senate PRIB file photo
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday appealed to fellow lawmakers to respect his committee chairmanship and the freedom to decide when to stop its investigations.
As head of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, Dela Rosa is leading the probe into the alleged leaked Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) documents that supposedly linked certain personalities to illegal drugs.
His investigation, however, was met with criticisms from the House of Representatives.
Dela Rosa lamented that in his five years in the Senate, he did not hear any senator questioning or wanting to stop a congressional probe.
“Ngayon lang ako nakarinig,” he said in an interview when asked about the supposed comments coming from former Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Panfilo Lacson.
(This is the first time I’ve heard of it.)
“Sana respetuhin rin nila ‘yung pagiging chairman ko ng aking committee dahil nirerespeto ko rin naman ‘yung kanilang pagiging chairman sa kanilang committee,” Dela Rosa continued.
(I hope they also respect my chairmanship of my committee because I also respect their chairmanship of their committee.)
“Please, ako nakikiusap sa aking mga kasamahan na bigyan niyo rin ako ng kaukulang discretion as to when to stop my investigation and as to who are going to be invited,” he added.
(Please, I am appealing to my colleagues to give me the appropriate discretion as to when to stop my investigation and as to who will be invited.)
Dela Rosa could not help but compared his PDEA leaks inquiry to the Senate’s investigation into the alleged fund scam involving Pharmally Pharmaceutical Inc.
At that time, he said, no senators— foes or allies of then President Rodrigo Duterte— questioned the Pharmally probe or wanted it stop.
“Eh bakit ngayon ito, ang dami nang pumapapel?” he asked.
(So why is it happening now? Why are there so many getting involved?)
“Kaya nga, lahat ng mga kasamahan ko, I respect kung ano ‘yung gusto niyo, but please ako rin nakiusap sa kanila, bigyan niyo naman ako ng kaunting discretion as chairman of the committee,” Dela Rosa said.
(That’s why to all my colleagues, I respect whatever you want, but please, I also appealed to them, give me a little discretion as chairman of the committee.)
His committee is set to resume next week its investigation into the PDEA leaks.