Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. called as "preposterous" the accusation of Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. that he was plotting a raid in the lawmaker's house and employing dirty methods to be "more popular."

In a press conference on Friday, Jan. 13, Abalos said he does not want to engage in mud-throwing with Teves, who earlier criticized the DILG's call for the courtesy resignation of senior officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of a "radical" internal cleansing campaign.

“I do not want to glorify that statement by answering it. It is a preposterous accusation,” Abalos said.

“I have never had that issue in my whole life. Sinabi ko nga 'yung pagkatao ko na lang yung mag-aano sa akin (I just have said that my character would answer for me),’’ he added.

When told that Teves sought his resignation, Abalos sees no problem about it but remarked that the lawmaker was entitled to his own opinion and he was the only one who wants him out of office.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, Teves pointed to Abalos as the one behind alleged efforts to secure a search warrant at his residence and plant evidence if nothing illegal is found.

He claimed that Abalos was making some personal attacks against him that even linked him to the illegal e-sabong or online cockfight game operations.

"Frustrated sila kasi ako pa rin ang pinagbibintangan nila sa e-sabong. Wala akong kinalaman sa e-sabong. Sinuyod na nila buong Region 7, walang nakita (They were frustrated because they were still linking me to e-sabong. I have nothing to do with e-sabong. They have scoured the whole of Region 7 and found nothing),’’ Teves said.

Teves previously described Abalos' radical internal cleansing method at PNP as a "short cut" as the lawmaker urged the Interior Secretary to ensure due process will be followed on the investigation of cops allegedly linked to illegal drug activities.