Sen. Bato dela Rosa Speaks on Duterte’s Appearance over Drug War Inquiry in Senate
BATO DELA ROSA – The Senator who was the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the Duterte drug war confirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte will attend the Senate probe.
The investigation on the war on drugs campaign of the Duterte investigation is ongoing in the House of Representatives. It is led by the House Quad Committee. Recently, the Senate also decided to launch a parallel probe on the issue.
The Duterte drug war is surrounded by issues and accusations. There are deaths linked to the anti-drugs campaign of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Previously, Sen. Bato dela Rosa said that he will launch a Senate probe and invite Duterte.
Dela Rosa was the chief of the PNP during the term of former Pres. Duterte. Then, the government worked together with the PNP in the implementation of the drug war. He is also one of the accused in the issues thus, his intent to launch a probe did not sit well with a lot of people.
Many people criticized the Senator saying that he is also an accused to a judge in the inquiry. Former Sen. Leila de Lima shared the said sentiment on the pronouncement of the former PNP Chief.
According to Sen. Bato dela Rosa, he is confident that former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte will attend the Senate investigation. He expressed his belief that Duterte is more comfortable in the Senate than in the House of Representatives.
Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero previously spoke on the Senate investigation on the war on drugs of the Duterte administration. According to the Senate President, the probe will be led by the Senate Blue Ribbon committee and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel will preside the inquiry.
Recently, Sen. Bato dela Rosa confirmed that former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte will attend the Senate probe on the war on drugs. Based on a report on GMA News, through a message, the Senator confirmed that former Pres. Duterte will attend the hearing set on Monday.
Previously, Dela Rosa expressed that Duterte will attend the investigation “regardless of who is presiding” the inquiry. However, based on the report, it was followed by Sen. Pimentel saying that the former Chief Executive’s presence at the hearing is still unsure as he’s having second thoughts.
If Duterte attends the Senate hearing, while it is unusual, it is not a first case. The late former Pres. Noynoy Aquino has also appeared in the Senate probe. Aside from former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, the Senate also invited former Sen. Leila de Lima to the drug war probe.