By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa should not head the Senate’s investigation into the war on drugs.

This was Escudero’s response when asked about Senator Risa Hontiveros’ proposal that the Senate Committee of the Whole should conduct the investigation.

“Well, haharapin namin ‘yan sa susunod na mga araw. Kokonsultahin ko ang ibang mga miyembro, pero nakausap ko na si Senator Bato kaugnay niyan. Ang sinabi ko sa kanya, anumang imbestigasyon na nais niya’t patungkol sa kanya mismo at kay Senator Go, mas maganda siguro kung hindi sila manguna ng komiteng ‘yun para walang alegasyon na ito ay personal, hindi impartial, at hindi fair,” Escudero said.

Hontiveros emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth about the drug war and expressed that the Committee of the Whole should lead the inquiry.

“Dahil sa pamamagitan niyang Senate Committee of the Whole, umaasa ako na mas panatag at mas mae-engganyo rin na sumali at tumestigo ang mga victim-survivors ng war on drugs,” Hontiveros added.

ia/mnm