By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Apparently piqued by the “kenkoy” remarks made by former human rights lawyer Harry Roque regarding the resolution he filed urging the government to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its probe into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs campaign, Manila’s 6th District Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr hit back, saying who’s the real clown as he has the support of 6,000 pastors all over the world.

“A certain former congressman attacked me in his YouTube channel…I’m not going to mention his name anymore. But he was a former colleague and supposedly a friend,” Abante fumed during Wednesday’s joint hearing of the House Committees on Human Rights and on Justice.

Political observers, however, said the Bible Baptist pastor and Manila lawmaker was obviously referring to former Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque who served as spokesperson of then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

To recall, on January 24, 2017, the Kabayan party-list removed Roque as a member and, consequently, from representing it in the House of Representatives.

Roque and several pro-Duterte lawmakers were strongly criticized for their inappropriate line of questioning toward Ronnie Dayan, Senator Leila de Lima’s former lover and alleged bagman, at a congressional inquiry on November 24, 2016.

The Manila solon just can’t turn the other cheek.

“Now, hindi po ako napipikon doon eh. But a former colleague saying that to another colleague is something that cannot be just passed on without me commenting on what he’s trying to say,” Abante said.

He noted that three resolutions were filed calling for the probe but only his House Resolution 1477 was mentioned by the “former lawmaker.”

“Kaya ngayon ay ating pag-uusapan kung sino talaga ang kenkoy dito, siya o ako. Abugado po siya eh. Ako hindi eh,” Abante railed.

Several human rights advocates were dismayed when Roque, who made a name in defending human rights victims, suddenly became Malacañang’s mouthpiece during the Duterte administration.

“But the thing is, he even mentioned that I might not even be supported by my own congregation. Try me, Mr. ex-congressman, try me. I have 6,000 pastors all over the world. Try me,” Abante quipped.

(ai/mnm)