Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said they are ready to face any possible charges that would be filed against them now that the House of Representatives’ quad committee has recommended the filing of crimes against humanity complaints against them and former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“Since that is the recommendation of the Quadcomm, then we leave it up to the Philippine courts to decide if ever cases are filed. After all, that is what former president Rodrigo Duterte has been saying numerous times,” Go said in a statement.
“More importantly, let the Filipino people decide if the peace and order situation in the country improved and if they benefitted during the time of FPRRD. It is up to them to judge if they could walk more quietly before without fear of getting hurt and with peace of mind that our children will be able to return home safely,” he further said.
But Go said the only thing that is surprising about the Quadcomm‘s recommendation is their decision to involve those who were considered irrelevant.
“But now, it seems that everything that was mentioned in their hearings, whether hearsay or without evidence, were included,” he said in Filipino.
“I don't look like a criminal. People say that I am kind. So let the people really judge. As for me, I will continue to help as much as I can and I will prioritize serving my fellow Filipinos,” he further said.
Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and the chief implementer of Duterte’s bloody war on drugs also said he is no longer surprised at the recommendation of the House panel.
“They are moving heaven and earth talaga to make life difficult for us. That was their goal from the start, to demolish the Dutertes and their allies,” the senator said in an interview over Radio DZRH.
“We will face that. Once filed before the DOJ (Department of Justice) we will face it,” Dela Rosa added.
“I’m sure the DOJ will conduct an investigation on that and will hear both sides. We are waiting for that,” he said.
Like Go, Dela Rosa said he believes it was the intention of their critics to demolish him and his colleague so they would not win in the upcoming May 2025 elections.
It was also their plan so there would no longer any hindrance to their attempts to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
Nevertheless, Dela Rosa said they are confident that the courts in the country will judge them fairly.
“I still trust our Philippine judiciary. I trust that they will make everything, that justice must prevail. We have trust,” he said.