Sotto tells people opposing Senate probe to just ”zip it”

October 9, 2019

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday told public officials who are questioning their probe on good conduct and time allowance (GCTA) law which later on shift to the so-called "ninja cops" to just "zip it".

In his opening statement, Sotto said those who are questioning the probe of Senate are "not monitoring" their hearing.

Sotto made the statement in response to the remarks made by Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo questioning the turnout of events from GCTA law to alleged ''ninja cops''. ''Ninja cops'' refers to policemen who steal and resell drugs confiscated during operations. 

"It has not anything to do with the drug war of present administration," Sotto said, adding the ''ninja cop'' issue they are investigating happened in 2013.

"You are completely wrong when you said that," he said.

The Senate president reiterated it cannot be helped if the issue inside the New Bilibid Prison shifts to illegal drug recycling as some inmates are still called "drug lords".

"The Committee on Justice and Blue Ribbon Committee started convening an inquiry into the GCTA which evolve into the influence in recycling and illegal activities in the Bureau of Corrections or New Bilibid Prison and it can't be help if there are illegal activities and recycling of illegal drugs influence by those inside BuCor who are already behind bars," Sotto said.

"That is precisely why it is gone to the issue of recycling," he added.

Sotto said he just wants to "clear the air" that the Senate is turning the investigation to a political scenario.

He added only the Blue Ribbon Committee can convene and call for an inquiry even without resolution, bill, privileged speech or anything.

"So those who are not familiar with Senate rules, my message is zip it," said Sotto.

Last week, Panelo said he cannot understand why the hearing seems to show the administration is falling on war on drugs.

"You know what I don't like about the Senate investigation. I'm just saying my piece. I cannot even understand why... it looks like they are trying to make the administration appear falling in the drug war. In my opinion, it's being politicized," he said.

"Supposed to be it started on good (conduct time allowance) only then went to different (topics), then went to drugs. Something is wrong, somewhere," he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS