📷House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan
House of Representatives Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has urged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to come forward with the truth regarding his role in the tragic loss of over 27,000 lives at the height of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
A long-time advocate for justice rooted in moral and ethical principles, Libanan stressed that honesty and accountability are paramount in the face of such grave accusations of extrajudicial killings.
Libanan is a former seminarian from Seminario de Hesus Nazareno, a lawyer by profession, and one-time chairperson of the House committee on justice.
“As it says in Proverbs 12:22, ‘The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy,’” Libanan quoted, reminding all public servants that truthfulness is a cornerstone of public trust and divine favor.
“Senator Dela Rosa, ang hinihingi natin dito ay simple lang — maging tapat tayo sa taumbayan at sa Diyos. The truth has a way of coming out, no matter how much we try to hide it. It is better to face it now with honesty,” Libanan said.
He underscored that being truthful is a fundamental value, not just for public servants, but for all individuals who aim to serve with integrity.
Libanan, a 4Ps party-list representative, also expressed his concern over the serious allegations against Dela Rosa and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“Hindi natin maaaring kalimutan ang sinabi sa atin sa 1 John 1:8-9 (We cannot forget what is said in 1 John 1:8-9): ‘If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us.’ Alam nating lahat na walang lihim na hindi nabubunyag (We all know that no secret can remain hidden forever).”
Libanan also praised those who have chosen to speak up, like PNP Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido, despite the risks involved.
“Ang katapangan ni Colonel Espenido ay isang halimbawa ng tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan at sa katotohanan. Ang mga taong lumalaban para sa katotohanan ay nagpapakita ng tunay na pagmamalasakit sa kapwa,” Libanan said, as he urged other witnesses to come forward to ensure that justice is served for the families who lost their loved ones during the drug war.
Reflecting on the moral obligations of those in power, Libanan said, “As a former PNP chief, dapat ay si Senator Dela Rosa ang nagiging ehemplo ng katapatan at katarungan. Ngunit ngayon, mas mahalaga na siya’y maging ehemplo ng pagsisisi at pag-amin. Tanggapin natin na walang sinuman ang makakatakas sa hustisya ng Diyos at ng batas .”
Libanan further questioned Dela Rosa’s conscience and the long-term implications of his actions.
“The Lord has said that the sins of the parents will be visited upon their children to the third and fourth generation’ (Exodus 20:5). This is a reminder that our actions today affect not just us, but our descendants as well,” Libanan said.
Libanan encouraged Dela Rosa to seek forgiveness and come clean about his role in the extrajudicial killings.
“Senator, it’s never too late to turn back to what is right. Hindi pa huli ang lahat para sa pag-amin at pagsisisi. The path to redemption is always open for those willing to walk it,” Libanan said. #
