Dela Rosa to skip House hearing on drug war

MANILA – Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Wednesday said he will not attend the House of Representatives inquiry into the war on drugs of the previous administration upon the advice of the Senate leadership.

Dela Rosa made this reaction after 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 the Philippine National Police head 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. Sa akin wala akong problema, (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.

Dela Rosa clarified that he is only following the long-time tradition in the Senate to follow their top leader.

He said the Senate leadership must be informed so no one is to be blamed in case a problem arises.

The lawmaker from Mindanao dared those who said 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 dito sa Pilipinas (in the Philippines)," he said. (PNA)