Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel on Wednesday, Nov. 29, hit back at Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa for vowing to investigate him due to his alleged connection with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA).
In a statement posted on the party-list's X (former Twitter) account, Manuel mentioned that Bato only wanted to "witch-hunt" youth who are critical of the government's programs.
"Ang nais ni Sen. Bato ay hindi imbestigasyon kundi witch-hunt laban sa mga kabataang nag-iisip at mapagbantay sa mga programa ng gobyerno," he said.
The Kabataan Party-list solon said Dela Rosa should be investigated instead for his alleged involvement in the bloody war against drugs campaigning during the Duterte administration.
"Kung mayroong imbestigasyon na dapat matuloy at mabilis na umusad, ito ang imbestigasyon sa lahat ng mga nagpasimuno ng madugong giyera kontra droga: Rodrigo Duterte, Bato dela Rosa, at iba pa," Manuel said.
"Maghanda na ang mga sangkot dahil ang mga ebidensya laban sa kanila ay sobrang bigat na: hindi gawa-gawa, hindi pinwersa, kundi sapat na batayan para seryosohin ang pagtiyak ng pagpapanagot sa mga maysala," he added.
LOOK: Youth Rep. Raoul Manuel’s statement on Bato Dela Rosa's latest remark
— Kabataan Partylist (@KabataanPL) November 29, 2023
"Ang nais ni Sen. Bato ay hindi imbestigasyon kundi witch-hunt laban sa mga kabataang nag-iisip at mapagbantay sa mga programa ng gobyerno."#ProsecuteDuterte pic.twitter.com/R1GQhuvMNQ
The accusation against Manuel surfaced during the public hearing of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.
Former Gabriela Youth - UP Mindanao Chair Arian Jane Ramos claimed that she and the Kabataan solon facilitated the recruitment of students, who wish to be part of the CPP-NPA.
"He's a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines. But he's not a member of the New People's Army," Ramos said.
Ex-rebel Kate Raca seconded the accusation of Ramos.
"In addition Sir, I also worked with Raoul Manuel when he was still UP Student Regent. Kasama ko siya, and we are recruiting 4KM and for the Communist Party of the Philippines. We facilitated the NPA recruitment. I am sure he will deny this. We worked within UP," she said.
Dela Rosa then vowed to investigate Manuel.
"Talagang tuwang-tuwa siya na imbestigahan ako ng ICC. Tingnan natin ngayon, ikaw ang imbestigahan ko. I will do my parliamentary powers to pin you down, tingnan natin ikaw pala talaga ay miyembro ng CPP," he said.
