Kabataan Youth Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel told Senate President Francis Escudero that the Batasan 5 case is worlds apart from Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s attempt to evade arrest for crimes against humanity charges.
Manuel hit back hard at Escudero after the senator said that he would extend the same “institutional courtesies” extended to former representatives Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis; Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño and Joel Virador of Bayan Muna and Lisa Maza of Gabriela Women’s Party in 2006.
“With all due respect, the two scenarios are different. The case of Batasan 5 was part of political persecution by then Arroyo administration against progressives. The Supreme Court even ruled that the warrantless arrest supposedly targeting Batasan 5 was illegal,” Manuel reminded Escudero.
The youth representative bristled at Escudero’s “additional advice” to “not further fan the flames of hatred and divisiveness at this time and instead to take heed of the experiences and lessons of history which may serve him well later.”
Manuel said that Escudero’s snarky remarks against him may be a threat or a confirmation of a rotten government, regardless of who is in Malacañang.
“All the more we won’t tire of criticizing such twisted mindset and traditions that serve abusive persons like dela Rosa,” he said.
Manuel also said that unlike traditional politicians, he has no plans of making political positions his source of livelihood or as shield from liabilities.
Manuel earlier criticized Escudero for saying he would provide dela Rosa succor in the Senate premises should the latter request for such “institutional courtesy,” saying government institutions should not serve as sanctuaries for fugitives.
“If the Senate can spend energy and resources from people’s money to protect Bato dela Rosa, I wish it redirect these instead in preparing for the impeachment trial. Forthwith,” Manuel said. (Raymund B. Villanueva)
