Dela Rosa won't attend House probe on drug war

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa said on Wednesday that he would not attend the hearing by the House of Representatives on the war on drugs under his former boss, then president Rodrigo Duterte, even as he has yet to receive an invitation from the committee that would take on the inquiry.

This developed after the House Committee on Human Rights approved the day before a motion by Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas to invite the former leader, ex-senator Leila de Lima, and Dela Rosa. The committee’s decision was based on their roles and involvement in the war on drugs.

Dela Rosa’s decision was not his alone but was based on the advice of Senate President Francis Escudero.

Dela Rosa, however, has yet to receive an invitation from the House Committee on Human Rights led by Rep. Bienvenido Abante of the 6th District of Manila.

Dela Rosa said he sought Escudero’s guidance following the recent developments at the House.

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“I sought the advice of the Senate President on what to do. I have no problem with them and can face them anytime. However, I must follow the guidance of the Senate President as I am a member of the institution, the Senate of the Philippines. I must adhere to the long-standing tradition in the Senate to follow our top leader,” Dela Rosa said in English and Filipino, underlining the significance of institutional practices.

“The Senate President responded, ‘No, you don’t have to attend.’ This is because in the Senate, it breaks inter-parliamentary courtesy when they mention a senator’s name during their hearings. The implication is clear: a senator attends their hearings, and the Senate won’t be able to fulfill its legislative function. This is a crucial consideration for Dela Rosa, as he explains, ‘We’re only twenty-four; we’ll just attend their hearings.’

Dela Rosa clarified that he only follows the long-time tradition in the Senate to follow their top leader. “We have to seek guidance because that is an enshrined practice, tradition among chambers of the legislature to observe inter-parliamentary courtesy,” the Mindanaoan lawmaker said, reinforcing the importance of this institutional practice.

“Every time you make an official act, the Senate leadership is aware of it to prevent us from blaming each other later on, claiming that you made decisions in your official capacity without the knowledge of the Senate leadership,” he said.

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