MANILA – Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was not the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief who helped dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo escape from the Philippines.
PAGCOR senior vice president Raul Villanueva, a retired general and former commander at the Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), said it was not Dela Rosa he was referring to as the ex-PNP chief in Guo’s “monthly payroll”.
During the Senate inquiry on illegal POGO (Philippine offshore gaming operations) on Tuesday, Villanueva said a former PNP chief was part of Guo’s payroll and among those who helped her flee.
Dela Rosa asked Villanueva during his turn to question to identify the former PNP chief, but the PAGCOR official said he has no confirmation yet on the report.
“But I’m sure you’re not the one,” Villanueva told Dela Rosa.
“Thank you, thank you if [you think] I’m not the one. ‘Yun lang. Siniguro ko lang. Thank you, General Villanueva. Thank you for that info,” Dela Rosa responded.
Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief during the Duterte administration, also asked Guo whether they have met before or have taken a picture together, which could be used to drag him to the issue.
“Puwede bang malaman kung sino itong former Chief PNP? I am concerned because I am a former Chief PNP. Baka mamaya merong lalabas na script d’yan na si Bato ay tumatanggap ng pera galing sa iyo,” Dela Rosa said, addressing Guo.
“Wala pong ganun,” Guo responded. “Nakita ko po kayo in person nung nandito na po sa Senate po.”
Dela Rosa asked Guo again, “Before that, nag-meet ba tayo in person?”
Guo responded, “Never po…sigurado po... Selfie? I think wala po.”
“Siniguro ko lang… klaruhin ko lang ito,” Dela Rosa concluded his questioning./PN
