House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro today criticized Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s refusal to attend the House inquiry into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, calling it “a cowardly act” and an attempt to evade accountability.
“Senator Dela Rosa should not hide behind inter-parliamentary courtesy as an excuse. The truth is, he is afraid to face the victims of the bloody drug war that he and former President Duterte orchestrated,” Rep. Castro stated.
The lawmaker pointed out the inconsistency in Dela Rosa’s stance, noting that the senator himself had previously invited members of the House to Senate hearings. “Didn’t he invite Congressman Raoul Manuel to a Senate hearing? Why the double standard now?” Castro questioned.
Rep. Castro also criticized Dela Rosa’s claim that the justice system is working because some police officers have been convicted. “The convictions are too few and far between. As one of the architects of this bloody war on drugs, he himself should face investigation and be held accountable,” she asserted.
The ACT Teachers representative emphasized that the House inquiry is a crucial step towards uncovering the truth and seeking justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings. “Senator Dela Rosa’s refusal to participate only reinforces the suspicion that he has something to hide,” Castro added.
“We call on Senator Dela Rosa to reconsider his decision. If he truly believes in the righteousness of their actions, he should have no fear in facing this inquiry. The victims and their families deserve nothing less than the truth and justice,” Rep. Castro concluded.
