Solon raises concern over Dela Rosa’s impartiality in drug war probe

MANILA: Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. warned on Wednesday that Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa's close ties with former president Rodrigo Duterte could undermine the impartiality of the Senate investigation into the previous administration's war on drugs. Abante, who co-chairs the House of Representatives' Quad committee, cited Dela Rosa's rapid rise from brigadier general to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief during Duterte's presidency as a key concern. 'I would think that he (Dela Rosa) would be more biased than actually balanced in that hearing,' he said in a press conference. Dela Rosa earlier announced that the Senate would conduct its own inquiry into the drug war, with plans to invite Duterte as a resource person. Despite concerns regarding Dela Rosa's impartiality, Abante still expressed support for the Senate probe, saying it complements the ongoing House Quad committee investigation. He added that it would be up to Duterte whether to attend the hearings in the Senate or the House. 'It 's up to him actually… Hopefully, he will come and say what he would like to say,' he said. The House Quad committee - comprising the committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, human rights, and public accounts - has conducted eight public hearings, with Duterte's name repeatedly surfacing in connection with extrajudicial killings tied to the drug war. In a recent hearing, retired PNP colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma testified about a reward system for killing drug suspects. Leonardo's testimony Abante said he believes that it is only a matter of time before former National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo testifies in the House probe. 'Until such time that Col. Leonardo would submit to us an affidavit, doon namin siya isasalang (Until such time that Col. Leonardo submits an affidavit, only then will we put him [in the hearing])," he said. Abante said Leonardo is expected to testify once his sworn statement is submitted, possibly during the committee's next hearing on Oct. 22. Garma's testimony implicated Leonardo, who previously served as chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Davao Region, in implementing the reward system during the Duterte administration. Leonardo is believed to have further knowledge of the operations and policies that fueled the controversial war on drugs, according to Abante. Source: Philippines News Agency