Antipolo City 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop criticized Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, urging him to stop hiding behind Vice President Sara Duterte and to confront the accusations regarding his role as the former head of the Philippine National Police during the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.
Acop dismissed Dela Rosa’s baseless claim that the testimony of former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog at the House Quad Committee was part of a “demolition job” targeting Vice President Duterte and her allies for the 2028 elections.
Acop stressed that the investigation raised legitimate questions that require clear answers, emphasizing that there was no political maneuvering involved.
He pointed out that Mabilog’s testimony was crucial to the ongoing investigation.
“The committee’s job is to investigate and craft laws to prevent such crimes.
We are not concerned about the 2028 elections—what matters is justice for the victims,” Acop stated.
During his testimony, Mabilog claimed he was pressured to falsely accuse former Senators Franklin Drilon and Mar Roxas of being drug lords during the height of the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
In response, Dela Rosa described the House investigation as a “fishing expedition.”
Meanwhile, Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. refuted Dela Rosa’s accusation, asserting that the inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind the crimes and hold those responsible accountable.
Abante also challenged Dela Rosa to accept the Quad Committee’s invitation to present his side.