Dela Rosa says his phone is being tapped

LOOK INTO PHILHEALTH EXCESS FUNDS: Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, during the Senate inquiry on July 30, 2024 on the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act, including the utilization of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation funds, says the transfer of the excess PhilHealth funds should be looked into carefully. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday said he is “pretty sure” that his mobile phone is being tapped.

He bared it during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the alleged excessive force used by the police in serving an arrest warrant against fugitive Apollo Quiboloy last June 10.

“If you are worried that your phone is being tapped or monitored, I am also worried with my cellphone. I know — I’ve been a police officer — I know my phone is being tapped right now. I am very sure of that,” he said.

“As to who are these people doing it, I cannot definitely say and as to the technology that they are using, I cannot definitely say what they are using. But I know — I’ve felt that my cell phone is being tapped for a couple of months now. Who has that capability? I just don’t know who, but I am sure. I am pretty sure,” he added.

Dela Rosa did not elaborate.

His revelation came after Kingdom of Jesus Christ legal counsel Israelito Torreon said that their mobile phones had been wiretapped by authorities.

“There must be court orders for the installation of listening devices. We have reasons to believe that even our ‘I love yous’ to our wives and our secret conversations on our phones are being listened to. So we advocate for strengthening Republic Act No. 4200 or the Anti-Wiretapping Act, by requiring court orders [for] the installation of listening devices similar to Anti-Terrorism Act so that such will safeguard civil liberties [that] we so cherish,” said Torreon.

READ: Bato dela Rosa admits: ‘I am afraid of going to jail’