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)

By Dang Samson Garcia

MANILA 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. on Sunday called on the government anew to increase its efforts in discouraging the youth from smoking and vaping.

“We have seen how difficult it is for smokers to kick this habit; napakahirap mag quit ng smoking,” Abante said.

“That is why it is imperative that the government, through agencies like the National Youth Commission, spearhead an aggressive campaign that will discourage our youth from taking up smoking and vaping,” he added.

He also urged his fellow legislators to be wary of the tobacco industry’s attempts to introduce a whole new generation of Filipinos to unhealthy vices like smoking and vaping.

The tobacco industry’s supposed interference in the country’s policymaking is apparent in the 2023 Tobacco Industry Interference Index.

The TII Index is a tool that scores the level of industry interference to monitor the progress, or lack thereof, in addressing the issue.

Based on the latest index, the Philippines scored 60 in 2023.

This is a continued increase for the country, with its score of 58 in 2021 and 59 in 2022.

A higher score indicates there is a greater industry interference in government policymaking.

“The country’s score in the index is a wake up call for those of us who are committed to protect our youth from the evils of tobacco use,” the lawmaker stressed.