Acop Defends House Probe: Truth Behind Duterte Drug War Allegations
House Lawmaker Fires Back at Dela Rosa, Panelo Over Drug War Inquiry
Antipolo City, Philippines – Rep.Romeo Acop (Antipolo City 2nd District) has strongly refuted claims by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo that the House of Representatives‘ investigation into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs is politically motivated.
Acop, the senior vice chairman of the quad-committee leading the inquiry, emphasized that the panel’s findings are based on evidence, not personal or political agendas.
“We’re just doing our job,” Acop stated in a Sunday press release. “This is not about destroying anyone or any group. It’s about uncovering the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.”
the quad-committee’s investigation, which began in August and concluded with a summary of findings presented by Acop last Thursday, has alleged that Duterte’s war on drugs served as a cover for a “grand criminal enterprise.”
Acop’s presentation cited testimonies from key figures, including former police colonel Eduardo Acierto, who directly implicated Duterte, Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, and Dela Rosa in protecting an illegal drug network.
Dela Rosa,who spearheaded the war on drugs as chief of the Philippine National Police,vehemently denied the allegations,challenging Acop to a public confrontation before a church altar.
“How dare you, Mr. Acop?” Dela Rosa exclaimed in an interview.
Acop, however, stood by his claims, stating, “How dare I? I dare because this is my responsibility—to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.”
He urged Dela Rosa to present counter-evidence if he disputes the findings, asserting that accusations without substantiation are baseless.
The House investigation has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with supporters of the Duterte administration accusing the panel of conducting a witch hunt. Acop maintains that the inquiry is solely focused on uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.
duterte Allies Cry Foul as Congressional Probe into Drug War Intensifies
Manila, Philippines – Tensions are rising as a congressional investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs intensifies. Duterte allies are accusing the panel leading the probe of political motivations, while lawmakers insist their focus remains on uncovering the truth and seeking justice for victims.
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Human Rights, leading the investigation, has heard harrowing testimonies from former police officers and witnesses alleging extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses during the anti-drug campaign.
Salvador Panelo, a lawyer and former spokesperson for Duterte, dismissed the investigation as a politically motivated attack. “This is not about personalities,” Panelo stated, “It’s about destroying the former president and his family.” He further alleged that the probe, spearheaded by a “quad-committee” of lawmakers, aims to sabotage Vice President Sara Duterte’s potential presidential bid in 2028.
Though, Congressman Raoul Manuel Acop, a member of the quad-committee, vehemently denied these accusations. “It is not about political maneuvering or targeting anyone for 2028,” Acop asserted.He emphasized that the investigation’s sole purpose is to pursue accountability for the alleged atrocities committed during the drug war.
Acop questioned Panelo’s credibility, suggesting that Duterte himself should address the allegations.”You are a minion of the former President,” Acop challenged Panelo, “Why doesn’t the former President explain it himself?”
The congressman pointed out that Duterte’s own statements, including his appearance before the committee last november, often corroborated the evidence presented. “Former President Duterte himself said things that aligned with the evidence we uncovered, notably on extrajudicial killings,” Acop explained.
Panelo also criticized the testimonies presented, claiming they were coerced or based on hearsay. acop countered by stating that witnesses like former police officer Eduardo Acierto came forward voluntarily to share their knowledge of the drug war’s conduct.
“If anything,these testimonies are being scrutinized because they were ignored during Duterte’s time,” Acop said. “Now,the guilty parties are feeling the pressure and are trying to deflect.”
The congressional investigation continues, with lawmakers vowing to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice for the victims of the drug war. The outcome of the probe could have meaningful implications for Duterte’s legacy and the future of the Philippines’ fight against illegal drugs.
Acop Defends House Drug War Inquiry Amidst Accusations of Political Motives
Antipolo City, Philippines - Representative Romeo Acop (Antipolo City 2nd District), a key figure in the House of representatives’ inquiry into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, has vehemently denied accusations of political motivation leveled by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.
Speaking to NewsDirectory3.com, Rep. Acop,who serves as senior vice-chairman of the quad-committee leading the examination,underscored the evidentiary basis for the panel’s findings. “We’re simply fulfilling our duty,” Acop asserted. “This isn’t about targeting individuals or groups. Our aim is to shed light on the truth, though unsettling it might potentially be.”
The quad-committee’s investigation, wich commenced in August and culminated in a summary of findings presented by Acop last thursday, has raised serious concerns regarding the Duterte administration’s drug war. The inquiry alleges that the campaign served as a facade for a “grand criminal enterprise,” prompting sharp criticism from Dela Rosa and Panelo who argue the probe is politically driven.
NewsDirectory3.com reached out to Senator Dela Rosa and Mr. Panelo for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
rep. Acop’s staunch defense of the House inquiry highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. The committee’s findings have sparked renewed scrutiny of the campaign, raising questions about its efficacy, legality, and potential human rights abuses. As the controversy continues to unfold, the House inquiry promises to remain a focal point of national discourse.
NewsDirector3.com will continue to provide updates on this developing story.