By Joseph Anthony A. Damgo
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (File photo)
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa yesterday rejected moves by the House of Representatives to have him attend an inquiry into the war on drugs of the previous administration saying his decision was upon the advice of the Senate leadership.
The other day, the House Committee on Human Rights approved on Tuesday a motion to invite Dela Rosa and former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to attend its hearing on the drug war.
As head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the Duterte administration, Dela Rosa was the chief implementor of the bloody campaign against illegal drugs.
In a statement, Dela Rosa said he sought the guidance of Senate President Francis Escudero who said he does not need to attend the House hearing.
He said Escudero cited the traditional inter-parliamentary courtesy accorded to both houses of Congress.
"I sought the advice of the Senate President on what to do. For me, I have no problem. I can face them anytime. But still, I have to follow the guidance of the Senate President being a member of the institution, the Senate of the Philippines,” Dela Rosa said adding he is only following the long-time tradition in the Senate to follow their top leader.
Interparliamentary courtesy dictates that leaders of the other chamber should be informed beforehand so no one is to be blamed in case a problem arises, according to Dela Rosa.
The senator also dared those who are saying he and Duterte should be held accountable for their roles in the war on drugs to file appropriate charges against them in Philippine courts.
“We are ready to face any court here in the Philippines)," he said.
In a related development, House Human Rights Committee chairperson Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. warned officials of the PNP officers they would be held in contempt if they would not stop taking photos of the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJK) victims’ families who were invited to the ongoing congressional probe on drug war under the previous administration.
Abante told representatives of the PNP to respect the committee after learning that police personnel were taking photos of the families of the victims during the hearing.
"We have EJK victims there outside. And I was told that there are some police people who are taking pictures of them," Abante said.
He said only members of the media can take photos of the families of the EJK victims.
"I am prohibiting any police officers to take pictures of these victims. Respect this Committee," he said.
He directed the committee to provide a holding room for the victims and their families, who testified on Tuesday in a hearing exclusively for them.
He earlier assured the committee would take steps to ensure the safety and security of victims and their families after they initially expressed fears about testifying before Congress.
Abante assured the victims that he "fully acknowledges the fears and the reluctance that many may feel about coming forward to testify. These fears are real; they have basis."
He said the House panel "is steadfast in its commitment to the protection of our witnesses."
"The House of Representatives is here to support you, to safeguard your rights, and to ensure your safety," he said.
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