By Junex Doronio
MANILA — House Assistant Majority Leader and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela “Mika” Suansing has raised serious doubts about the credibility of retired senior police officer Sanson “Sonny” Buenaventura, who served as former President Rodrigo Duterte’s driver and bodyguard.
Suansing questioned Buenaventura’s testimony, saying his responses only deepened the committee’s concerns.
“Mr. Chair, I believe Mr. Sonny Buenaventura is lying,” Suansing said after pressing him on his statements.
A key point of her questioning was Buenaventura’s use of coded terms allegedly linked to the Davao Death Squad (DDS). During the hearing, Buenaventura confirmed the long-rumored codename “Superman,” which Duterte was known by among DDS members.
Suansing asked Buenaventura to clarify the term “labyog,” which sources suggest could refer to killing or disposing of a body.
“Kasi po, ayon sa aming sources, ang ‘labyog’ ay to kill or dump the body of a victim,” Suansing said, pressing Buenaventura for an explanation.
He hesitated, suggesting it might mean “tapon” (to discard), but lawmakers were not satisfied with the response.
The committee also questioned Buenaventura’s familiarity with the Laud Quarry, a site linked to various DDS-related allegations. When asked if he had been there, Buenaventura admitted to using the quarry, but only as a firing range.
Suansing pressed further: “Mr. Buenaventura, you’ve been to the Laud Quarry… you know its size and that it has a firing range inside. Is that correct?”
Buenaventura confirmed, “Yes, Your Honor,” but his acknowledgment did little to dispel the committee’s doubts.
“For the record, Mr. Buenaventura has been to the Laud Quarry… he knows its size and that it contains a firing range,” Suansing said.
Suansing also raised concerns about Buenaventura’s financial transparency, urging him to waive his bank secrecy rights if he had nothing to hide.
“Kung wala po kayong tinatago, willing po ba kayong i-waive ang bank secrecy para sa inyong mga bank accounts?” she asked.
Buenaventura declined, stating, “Four thousand pesos plus lang ‘yun, Your Honor,” and emphasized that his accounts were for family use only.
His refusal to waive bank secrecy added to lawmakers’ suspicions, with Suansing pointing out that if he had nothing to hide, he should be willing to provide full transparency.
Buenaventura’s alleged role in DDS operations, as described in the affidavit of self-confessed hitman Arturo Lascañas, was another focal point.
Suansing referenced Lascañas’ claims, which accused Buenaventura of playing a key role in coordinating DDS logistics.
“Mr. Chair, it’s the word of Mr. Sonny Buenaventura against the affidavit of Mr. Lascañas,” Suansing pointed out.
Finally, Suansing questioned Buenaventura’s loyalty to Duterte, suggesting it might influence his testimony. She directly asked him whether he would misrepresent facts to protect the former president.
ia/mnm