Department of Foreign Affairs still clueless if they will investigate former Secretary Albert Del Rosario
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs remains unaware if their office will investigate former Secretary Alberto F. Del Rosario based on President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks during his “Talk to the People on the Corona Virus” late Wednesday night.
This was the reaction of official sources from the Department of Foreign Affairs when asked if they would do the investigation themselves or would defer to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
President Duterte asked why the then Foreign Secretary del Rosario ordered the withdrawal of the Philippine assets during the standoff at Scarborough Shoal in 2014. However, records show the standoff took place last April 8,2012.
“Ikaw, Albert, Alberto, bakit mo pinaatras? Kaninong permission ka nanghingi? Ngayon kung wala kang maibigan, p*****!** mo, huwang mong ibigay sa akin ‘yong kasalanan mo. Naghahanap kayo ng libre. Alam ninyo one day, one day you will be tasked to answer for that iyang pag-order ninyo, dapat imbestigahin ka,” President Duterte said.
“And if… I don’t know what will be the history of this country because I were a leader anymore --- I will execute you by hanging. Ngayon, nandiyan ka na kasi kaibigan, wala ka man magawa. Ano bang gawin mo? Treason pa naman ‘yang makipag --- magkalamano ka,” he further said.
During the midday press briefing, asked if the government will begin its inquiry into then Foreign Secretary del Rosario’s decision, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Executive is still the chief implementer of the laws, so it applies to all offices under the Executive.
Asked further if the Department of Justice has been tasked to lead the inquiry, Secretary Roque said “Well, that is without prejudice po. Let’s wait for further developments.” (Melo M. Acuña)
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