Dela Rosa denies bias for Teves family: I’m not their lapdog

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has denied accusations that he is favoring the Teves family, saying he is not a lapdog of the controversial political clan.

Dela Rosa on Tuesday sought to clarify “malicious allegations” on social media claiming that he was favoring the Teves family in the Senate public order panel’s inquiry he is leading into the brazen murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and other political killings in the country.

The legislator said the accusations were raised on social media by people of Negros Oriental.

“I would answer that allegation na hindi ako kayang bayaran kahit gaano kayaman ni Teves. Hindi ako kayang bayaran ng kahit sinuman,” he said as he opened the committee hearing.

(I would answer that allegation by saying I cannot be paid no matter how rich Teves may be. There is no person who can buy me off.)

Dela Rosa, however, noted that his wife’s aunt is married to a Teves – but of a different descent who is “not in any way related to the family of [Arnolfo] Teves.”

“Iyon ang aking disclaimer. Hindi ako nababayaran. Hindi ako naging tuta. Hindi ako related sa mga Teves for full disclosure purposes,” he argued.

(That’s my disclaimer. I was not bought off. I am not their lapdog. I am not related to the Teveses for full disclosure purposes.)

Suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. is tagged as the key orchestrator in the killing of Degamo and eight others in Pamplona, Negros Oriental last March 4.

His younger brother, former Negros Oriental Gov. Henry Teves, was unseated by Degamo after the Commission on Elections last September annulled the proclamation of the former as the winner of the 2022 polls.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also came in defense of Dela Rosa.

“Hindi kayang bayaran ng salapi. Hindi kayang silawin ng kahit anumang kayamanan si Sen. Dela Rosa, at ako na mismo iyong nagpapatunay niyan as a living testimony,” he said.

(No amount of money can buy off or blind Sen. Dela Rosa, and I, myself, can attest to that as a living testimony.)

Villanueva said Dela Rosa is firm that the panel inquiry must remain “impartial” by hearing all sides of the story.

The slain governor’ widow, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, apologized to Dela Rosa on behalf of the people of Negros Oriental.

“Love nila si governor kaya kung meron silang nakikitang mga bagay-bagay (They love the governor so when they see certain things), they would express something like that. But kami – the aggrieved party – we are here. We are very appreciative,” she added.

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