MANILA – Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed readiness to face charges after the House Quad Committee recommended filing crimes against humanity complaints against them and former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement, Go said they would respect the courts’ decisions if cases were filed. “That is what former President Rodrigo Duterte has always said—let the Philippine courts decide,” Go remarked.
He also urged the public to judge the Duterte administration’s impact on peace and order, stating, “Let the Filipino people decide if their lives improved if they felt safer, and if they could walk the streets with peace of mind during his time.”
Go criticized the Quad Committee’s inclusion of what he called “irrelevant” individuals and unsupported claims in their recommendation. “It seems that everything mentioned in their hearings, whether hearsay or lacking evidence, was included,” he said.
Despite the accusations, Go vowed to continue serving Filipinos. “I will keep helping and prioritizing the needs of our fellow citizens,” he added.
Dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief who led Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, said he was unsurprised by the committee’s recommendation.
“Their goal from the start was to bring down the Dutertes and their allies,” he stated in a media interview.
He affirmed his readiness to face legal proceedings. “If cases reach the DOJ, we will face them. We trust the DOJ will conduct a fair investigation and hear both sides,” Dela Rosa said.
The senator also suggested that the allegations were politically motivated, aimed at derailing his and Go’s chances in the 2025 elections and paving the way for moves to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
Nonetheless, Dela Rosa expressed confidence in the Philippine judiciary, saying, “I trust our courts will uphold justice and ensure a fair process.”