Rep Abante doubts Sen dela Rosa's impartiality in Senate probe

Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. expressed doubts about Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa's impartiality in a Senate investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration, noting that dela Rosa quickly rose to become Director General of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during Duterte's presidency.

Despite his concerns, Abante still supports the Senate probe as it complements ongoing House Quad committee investigations, but he expects bias from Dela Rosa due to his previous role in implementing anti-drug operations under scrutiny.

House lawmakers on Thursday, October 17, raised further concerns over dela Rosa’s call for a Senate inquiry, citing a 'clear conflict of interest' and arguing that the investigation may lack impartiality given dela Rosa's involvement in the drug war.

Rep. Dan Fernandez argued that Dela Rosa would be practically investigating himself, which is highly inappropriate, undermining the integrity and objectivity of any findings from this investigation.

Lawmakers also emphasized that resource persons have testified about a cash reward system for police officers during the drug war, with House quad committee hearings set to invite representatives from banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to track the sources of these funds.