MANILA Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., a co-chair of the House Quad Comm, on Tuesday criticized Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for evading the committee’s inquiries and instead using media to divert attention from the pressing issues hurled at the senator.
“Ang ating senador Bato dela Rosa, nung tinanong siya, ayaw naman niyang humarap sa amin. Pinapaharap namin para maging malinaw ang lahat ng bagay. Anong ginagawa niya? Nagpupunta sa media. Kung anu-ano ang pinagsasabi niya,” Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights, said in his opening remarks during the Quad Comm’s 14th hearing.
Abante emphasized that the committee’s purpose is not politically motivated but is driven by the pursuit of truth and accountability.
“Kung meron man ditong nagsasabi na we’re gathered here because of politics, gusto naming humarap siya dito para sabihin sa amin directly,” he said, urging detractors to address their concerns head-on.
The lawmaker reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring justice without resorting to extrajudicial measures or turning the whole country into a “killing fields.”
“Ayaw po nating mahulog ang bansa sa droga pero ayaw din natin ang buong Pilipinas maging killing fields, na pumatay tayo na hindi sinusunod ang Saligang Batas,” he stressed.
Abante also pointed out that despite the heavy-handed approach of the previous Duterte administration, the illegal drug problem persists.
“Ang question dito ay ito: nawala ba? Hindi nawala ang drugs, ganoon pa rin. Ang inaakala po namin dito ay baka naman tinanggal natin ang kumpetisyon para ang maiwan na lamang sa drug trade ay ‘yung mga nasa kapangyarihan,” he said.
He further accused certain law enforcement officials of failing in their duty to uphold the law and instead becoming instruments of abuse.
“Those entrusted with the duty to protect have enabled injustice. Those who swore to uphold the law have hidden behind silence,” Abante remarked.
He asserted the Quad Comm remains committed to uncovering the truth and rectifying injustices.
“We wield this power not for personal gain, but for our people. And we will not stop until the evildoers who have plagued our country are unmasked,” he declared.
Despite the resistance faced by the committee, Abante maintained optimism.
“Yet, kahit na po sa ganyang mga bagay, I am not without hope,” he said.
He called on individuals with knowledge of past abuses to come forward and testify without fear.
“To those who come before this Committee, to those who still hesitate, to those who are reluctant and are afraid to speak the truth – do that which is good,” Abante urged.
“Power must never be abused in order to shield wrongdoers. It must never be wielded to sow fear among the innocent,” Abante said.
