De Lima sees conflicting reasons behind reinstatement of CIDG-8 head
President Rodrigo Duterte, left, places the hat of the new Philippine National Police chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, during the "Assumption of Command" ceremonies at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police headquarters, in Quezon City on Friday, July 1, 2016. AP/Aaron Favila
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa and Sen. Leila De Lima had a heated argument Monday when the senator started grilling him on the real reason that Superintendent Marvin Marcos was reinstated as a regional chief.
De Lima wanted Dela Rosa to explain why he initially cited “humanitarian considerations” as the reason for reinstating Marcos as Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director for the Eastern Visayas. Superintendent Marcos had been relieved of his post after confessed drug distributor Kerwin Espinosa alleged that he was one of his protectors. Marcos was reinstated the same day.
President Rodrigo Duterte has said that he had Marcos reinstated as he wants him investigated. However, Dela Rosa admitted that Presidential Management Staff Bong Go, also Duterte’s top aide, was the one who told him to mention "humanitarian considerations".
Asked to name the “kumpadre” he referred to when he said a higher official called him to reinstate Marcos, Dela Rosa said it was Duterte. He later on added that Go was also his kumpadre..
“For all you know, your honor, the president is my godfather sa kasal at the same time he is also my kumpadre. Maraming beses na kaming magkumpadre,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa revealed that Go called him before passing the telephone to Duterte. “Sinabi ni Bong Go sa akin na ‘P're kausapin ka ni presidente tungkol sa kaso ni Superintendent Marcos,” he narrated.
De Lima had alleged that Go made the call, but Go and Dela Rosa denied that.
De Lima then pressed Dela Rosa on why he refused to reveal Duterte's role in Marcos' reinstatement. “Kung hindi po inamin ng Pangulong Duterte na siya talaga ang nag-utos... Ituturo mo yung so-called kumapdre?” she said.
Earlier, Dela Rosa also said he was puzzled by Duterte’s directive but trusted his decision as chief executive.
The PNP chief said that he was “trained not to divulge” information, adding he only said "kumpadre"because the media kept asking him about the reinstatement. Dela Rosa also said De Lima should imagine herself in his position.
“Do not argue with me. I’ve had enough with you, kayong lahat na mga nagsisinungaling,” she said in reply.
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