Bato ready to be ‘interrogated’ in Senate drug war probe

Metro Manila, Philippines – Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he is committed to attend the Senate drug war hearing on Monday, Oct. 28, and respond to questions from colleagues regarding his role as a former top cop.

“I am also offering myself as a resource person. Hindi ako nandun as a member of the panel lang (I will not be there just as a member of the panel). They can ask me. They can interrogate me. They can interpellate me anytime they want,” Dela Rosa said in a phone interview with some Senate reporters on Thursday.

Dela Rosa is a vice chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee. A subcommittee led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is conducting a probe on the anti-drug campaign from the bloody drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte to the present.

During marathon hearings by the House of Representatives quad committee, PLtCol Jovie Espenido and self-confessed drug dealer Kerwin Espinosa said Dela Rosa coerced them to testify against former Senator Leila de Lima, who has since been cleared of all drug charges. PCol Royina Garma (ret.) also implicated the senator in a purported reward system where officers were given as much as P1 million for each drug suspect killed.

Dela Rosa has denied the allegations. He said he will "not be offended" if fellow lawmakers ask questions, adding that he "can defend myself in any forum."

However, he said he will ask direct questions to his accusers, "no holds barred."

“Prangkahan tayo. Lalabas ang katotohanan I will be frank and candid to everyone (Let’s be straightforward. The truth will come out; I will be frank and candid with everyone),” he said.

Pimentel said amid the allegations against Dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief has no choice "but to share with the committee his experiences during the drug war."

The committee has invited a long list of guests, Pimentel said, but Duterte has yet to formally respond to the summons. Pimentel mentioned he received information that Duterte’s attendance is “medyo nag-alanganin (became somewhat unsure),” while Dela Rosa maintained he received assurance from Duterte himself.

“Bahala na siya (it’s up to him) if he wants to attend. The hearing will go on with or without him,” Pimentel said.