Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop (left) and Senator Ronald dela Rosa (File photos from HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and SENATE PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa should stop “hiding behind Vice President Sara Duterte’s skirt” and address the allegations against him in connection with former President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s drug war.
Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop made the statement after dela Rosa claimed that former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog’s testimony during the quad committee was part of a “demolition job targeting the vice president and her allies ahead of the 2028 elections.”
READ: Dela Rosa to Mabilog: Name cop who warned you vs returning to PH
“There’s no demolition job here. Only legitimate questions that need clear answers,” Acop said.
Acop is the vice chair of the quad committee.
“Sen. Dela Rosa should be man enough to face the facts and take responsibility, instead of hiding behind VP Sara’s skirt,” he dared the senator.
He likewise reiterated that the hearings focus on unveiling the truth behind the extrajudicial killings and human rights violations during Duterte’s war on drugs and its connection to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and the drug trade.
“Former Mayor Mabilog’s testimony is crucial. Our goal is to craft laws that will put an end to these crimes, not to play political games,” he added.
Mabilog testified that he was forced to falsely accuse former Senators Franklin Drilon and Mar Roxas of being drug lords at the height of Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
He also revealed that he and his family received threats after the former president falsely branded him a protector of the drug trade.
Dela Rosa, who led Duterte’s bloody drug war as former Philippine National Police chief, dismissed the House investigation as a “fishing expedition.”
Echoing what Acop said, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. also dismissed Dela Rosa’s statement.
“Senator Dela Rosa’s claims of ‘demolition job’ and ‘fishing expedition’ are far from the truth. Our committee is committed to addressing systemic problems, and this investigation is about holding those responsible accountable, not playing politics,” Abante said.
“As legislators, it is our duty to seek justice for the victims of illegal drug operations and expose the syndicates behind them. If we fail to do so, more Filipinos will continue to suffer,” he added.
Abante also challenged dela Rosa to accept the quad committee’s investigation and reveal his side of Mabilog’s claim.
“Our doors are always open to those who wish to provide the Quad Comm with information that will help us accomplish our task,” he said.
The quad committee consists of four House panels – the committee on dangerous drugs; the committee on public order and safety; the committee on public accounts; and the committee on human rights.