Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has called on the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) to shift its attention to investigating the rise in crimes across the country, rather than detaining officers who, he says, are serving the nation in good faith.
“That is what the QuadComm should investigate—those incidents, why criminals are becoming bolder, shooting police officers. Not the police officers who are doing their job properly,” Dela Rosa said.
Criticism of QuadComm Actions
Dela Rosa cited the case of former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Wilkins Villanueva, who was cited in contempt during a QuadComm hearing last December for allegedly refusing to answer questions. The committee questioned Villanueva about the warrantless arrest of Jed Sy, the wife of a known drug personality, nearly two decades ago.
“This is why criminals, drug pushers, and drug lords are getting more confident—they have no one to fear. They aren’t scared of the authorities anymore because the QuadComm oppresses the authorities,” Dela Rosa argued.
Concerns Over Rising Crime
The senator expressed alarm over the increase in drug-related activities and other crimes:
“There is now an increasing number of addicts, while the pushers, drug lords, and carnappers are getting more confident.”
Dela Rosa linked the rising crime rates to what he perceives as a weakening of law enforcement due to the QuadComm’s scrutiny.
Background on QuadComm Investigations
The QuadComm has been conducting high-profile investigations into extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, as well as crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Last month, the QuadComm recommended charges against several individuals, including Duterte, Dela Rosa, and Senator Bong Go, for their alleged roles in the drug war deaths.
Dela Rosa has condemned the QuadComm’s probe, suggesting it may be weaponized for use in the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings against officials from the previous administration.