Truth, not politics, drives quad comm drug probe, says Acop

Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop —Photo from his Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The House quad committee probe on the drug war is “grounded in evidence and not driven by personal or political motives” targeting former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, senior vice chair of the committee, stressed in a statement issued on Sunday in response to the accusation of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo that the probe was politically motivated.

“We’re just doing our job. This is not about destroying anyone or any group. It’s about uncovering the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be,” Acop said.

He challenged Dela Rosa to present counter-evidence instead of resorting to “baseless claims of political intent.”

“These findings are not speculation or personal opinion. If Sen. Dela Rosa has contrary evidence, let him present it. Otherwise, his accusations are baseless,” Acop said.

READ: Quad comm shares Acop’s view that drug war was deceptive – Barbers

Dela Rosa had previously dared Acop to meet him before a church altar to settle who was telling the truth, declaring, “How dare you, Mr. Acop?”

However, Acop remained firm in his stance, responding: “How dare I? I dare because this is my responsibility — to uncover the truth and ensure accountability. Everything I said during the summation is fully backed by the findings of the Quad Comm, based on testimonies and evidence from 13 hearings.”

He also reminded Dela Rosa to “reflect on his criticisms” of other political figures, including former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch critic of Duterte.

“Sen. Dela Rosa criticized Trillanes for disrespecting him, yet he is committing the same mistakes now,” Acop said.

“This investigation is not about personalities — it is about uncovering the truth and seeking justice for the victims of the bloody anti-drug campaign,” he added.

“We go by the pieces of evidence presented in the hearings. There’s no speculation or hearsay,” Acop further emphasized.

Meanwhile, Acop questioned Panelo’s credibility and authority to speak on the quad comm’s findings on behalf of Duterte.

“You are a minion of the former president. Why doesn’t the former president himself explain? Is he an attorney for former President Duterte? As far as I know, Atty. Martin Delgra is his official lawyer,” Acop said in Filipino.

He also pointed out that Panelo attended only one hearing, which he argued gave him no basis to question the quad comm’s findings.

“Atty. Panelo is entitled to his opinion, but his statements are baseless and uninformed. He just attended a single hearing when former President Duterte appeared so he has absolutely no grasp of the overwhelming evidence and damning testimonies presented before the committee,” Acop said.

He likewise dismissed claims that the probe’s findings were based on coerced testimonies or politically motivated.

“This investigation is about accountability and the pursuit of truth. It is not about political maneuvering or targeting anyone for 2028, as he claims,” Acop said.

“Witnesses like Col. [Eduardo] Acierto and others came forward voluntarily to share what they know. If anything, these testimonies are being scrutinized because they were ignored during Duterte’s time. Now, the guilty parties are feeling the pressure and are trying to deflect,” Acop added.