Acop Calls on Dela Rosa to Prove Claims with Evidence, Not Emotion

Rep. Romeo Acop criticized Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for resorting to emotional outbursts and theatrics instead of providing evidence to counter the findings of the House of Representatives regarding the bloody drug war under the Duterte administration.

Acop, vice chair of the House’s quad committee, called on Dela Rosa to present proof if he disagreed with the investigation’s conclusion that the war on drugs was a cover for a “grand criminal enterprise,” which allegedly allowed Duterte and his inner circle to profit from the narcotics trade.

“The committee’s work is based on evidence, not personal motives,” Acop said. “We’re doing our job to uncover the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.”

Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has refused to appear before the joint probe of four House committees. The investigation revealed that more than 6,000 drug suspects were killed during Duterte’s term, and some testimonies claimed Dela Rosa, along with Duterte and Senator Bong Go, played roles in protecting illegal drug networks.

In response to Dela Rosa’s challenge to meet him before a Church altar to settle the dispute, Acop said, “This is my responsibility — to uncover the truth. My statements are backed by the findings of 13 public hearings. If Senator Dela Rosa has evidence to the contrary, he should present it.”

Acop also took aim at Dela Rosa’s past comments, accusing him of being an opportunist for using his connections with Duterte to rise from PNP chief to senator. “If anyone is the opportunist, it’s Senator Dela Rosa,” Acop fired back.

The congressman a lawyer and former police general, reminded Dela Rosa about the importance of respect, especially since they both graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Acop stressed that the investigation is about seeking justice for the victims, not attacking anyone personally. “If Senator Dela Rosa thinks the evidence is wrong, he should challenge it with facts, not emotions,” he said.