MANILA, Philippines — Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop is no longer seen as an “idol” by a senator after “insulting” a comrade from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
It was just last month when Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa addressed Acop with the utmost respect as he apologized over his “unprincipled” and “opportunistic” tirades against lawmakers’ flip-flopping stand on the previous administration’s war on drugs.
“Isa ‘yan sa mga PMAer naging pulitiko na hinahangaan ko. Dalawa ‘yan sila ni Sen. (Panfilo) Lacson, aking iniidolo na mga PMAer-turned-legislators,” Dela Rosa said in a press briefing during that time.
(He’s one of the PMAers who became a politician that I admire. There are two of them — him and Sen. Panfilo Lacson — whom I idolize as PMAer-turned-legislators.)
READ: Bato apologizes to ‘idol’ lawmaker
But on Monday, Dela Rosa took back what he said about Acop being his idol.
“Hindi na (Not anymore)!” the senator said when asked if still considers Acop an idol.
When asked again if it was because of Acop’s latest remark against him, Dela Rosa said: “The most insulting comment that I received from a PMAer like me. Masyado na siyang nakalalake (He’s acting too macho).”
In a statement on Sunday, Acop advised Dela Rosa to just address the allegations against him in connection with the previous administration’s bloody drug war, instead of hiding behind the skirt of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Dela Rosa spearheaded the drug war as the then-head of the Philippine National Police.
This and other issues during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte are being investigated by the House of Representatives quad committee.
Dela Rosa, however, believes that the House probe was a “demolition job” targeting VP Duterte and her allies, as well as her possible presidential run in 2028.
READ: Dela Rosa to Mabilog: Name cop who warned you vs returning to PH