Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. on Tuesday called out Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for consistently avoiding his public responsibility to attend the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearings by hiding behind the media.
“Ang ating senador Bato dela Rosa, nung tinanong siya, ayaw naman niyang humarap sa amin. Pinapaharap namin para maging malinaw ang lahat ng bagay. Anong ginagawa niya? Nagpupunta sa media. Kung anu-ano ang pinagsasabi niya,” Abante said.
Abante, who had previously denied claims that the committee’s hearings were politically motivated, emphasized that the hearings are dedicated to uncovering the truth and seeking accountability.
“Kung meron man ditong nagsasabi na we’re gathered here because of politics, gusto naming humarap siya dito para sabihin sa amin directly,” he said.
The lawmaker reassured the public of the committee’s commitment to ensuring justice is served without resorting to extrajudicial measures.
“Ayaw po nating mahulog ang bansa sa droga pero ayaw din natin ang buong Pilipinas maging killing fields, na pumatay tayo na hindi sinusunod ang Saligang Batas,” he said.
Abante pointed out that despite the strict measures implemented by the previous Duterte administration, the issue of illegal drugs remains unresolved.
“Ang question dito ay ito: nawala ba? Hindi nawala ang drugs, ganoon pa rin. Ang inaakala po namin dito ay baka naman tinanggal natin ang kumpetisyon para ang maiwan na lamang sa drug trade ay ‘yung mga nasa kapangyarihan,” he said.
He also criticized some law enforcement officials for neglecting their duty to enforce the law and instead becoming agents of abuse.
“Those entrusted with the duty to protect have enabled injustice. Those who swore to uphold the law have hidden behind silence,” Abante stressed.
He urged those with knowledge of the events to testify without fear.
“To those who come before this committee, to those who still hesitate, to those who are reluctant and are afraid to speak the truth — do that which is good,” Abante pleaded.
“Power must never be abused in order to shield wrongdoers. It must never be wielded to sow fear among the innocent,” he said.
