MANILA, Philippines — Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop on Sunday urged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to provide concrete evidence disputing the House investigation’s findings on the Duterte administration’s drug war, instead of resorting to “emotional outbursts and theatrics.”

Acop, vice chair of the House’s quad committee, defended the panel’s preliminary report, which suggested that the controversial campaign against illegal drugs may have served as a cover for a “grand criminal enterprise” allegedly benefitting former President Rodrigo Duterte and his inner circle.

“We’re just doing our job. This is not about destroying anyone or any group. It’s about uncovering the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be,” Acop said.

He called on Dela Rosa to engage in “proper discourse” and present evidence to refute the findings, which were based on testimonies and records from 13 public hearings.

“If Senator Dela Rosa feels the findings are inaccurate, he should present evidence to counter them rather than resorting to baseless claims of political intent,” Acop emphasized.

‘Grand Criminal Enterprise’

The House committee’s investigation highlighted allegations from former police intelligence officer Col. Eduardo Acierto, who implicated Duterte, Dela Rosa, and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go as key figures protecting the illegal drug network in the country.

Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the drug war’s height, criticized the findings and challenged Acop to join him before a church altar to prove who was truthful. “How dare you, Mr. Acop?” Dela Rosa had said.

In response, Acop firmly replied: “I dare because this is my responsibility—to uncover the truth and ensure accountability. Everything I said during the summation is fully backed by the findings of the quad committee.”

Acop stressed that the panel’s conclusions are “not speculation or personal opinion” but evidence-based. “If Senator Dela Rosa has contrary evidence, let him present it. Otherwise, his accusations are baseless.”

Violating PMA Tradition

Acop, a lawyer and a former police general, further criticized Dela Rosa’s demeanor, pointing out a breach of tradition within the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), where both are alumni.

“It’s a no-no for someone of the lower class in the PMA to disrespect a member of the upper class,” said Acop, who belongs to the PMA’s 1970 Magiting class, while Dela Rosa is part of the 1986 Sinagtala class.

“Senator Dela Rosa should remember that respect begets respect,” he added.

Political Accountability

The lawmaker rebuked Dela Rosa for allegedly exploiting his ties with Duterte to advance his political career while presiding over a drug war that “targeted the powerless while shielding the powerful.”

“This investigation is not about personalities—it is about uncovering the truth and seeking justice for the victims of the bloody antidrug campaign,” Acop said.

He urged Dela Rosa to abandon “anger and theatrics” and instead engage in constructive dialogue. “If he believes the evidence is wrong, he should challenge it with facts, not emotion. The process demands respect, and anger will not change the truth.”

The House probe continues to shed light on the drug war’s impact and its alleged ties to criminal profiteering under Duterte’s presidency.