‘Bato’ welcomes probe on Vegas trip

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Friday welcomed the investigation of the Ombudsman for his acceptance of a sponsored trip to Las Vegas to watch the bout of boxing champion and Senator Manny Pacquiao with American Jessie Vargas.

“Sige lang imbestigahan ako. Makulong ako dahil sa imbitasyon,” he said in an ambush interview in Davao after returning to the country from Malaysia.

READ: Ombudsman probes ‘Bato’ for ethics breach in Vegas trip

The PNP chief was part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s delegation to Malaysia.

Dela Rosa told reporters that what was important was that government funds were not used for the Las Vegas trip.

“Ang importante dili (hindi) tayo kurakot kwarta,” he said in a mix of Tagalog and Visaya.

READ: Bato: What propriety? Vegas trip was free

The Ombudsman wants to look into Dela Rosa’s possible violation of Section 7 of the Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, while the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices of the Ombudsman wants to look into Dela Rosa’s possible criminal and administrative liabilities. CDG/rga