Tensions reached a boiling point during a Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs hearing as Senator Raffy Tulfo abruptly departed, underscoring underlying friction with panel chairman Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

The discord unfolded during discussions on alleged police misconduct involving a father-and-son duo and the mysterious disappearance of Catherine Camilon.

Tulfo’s departure came as dela Rosa questioned Bulacan policemen regarding the aforementioned incidents.

“Aalis na lang ako dito. Hindi ko matiis. Nakikita ko, itong mga pulis, pinagloloko (tayo). I’m sorry, I have to walk out. Hindi ko kaya to,” Tulfo declared before exiting the venue.

Prior to his departure, Tulfo hinted at dela Rosa’s alleged bias towards the police, using the term “Bini-baby.”

He also criticized the handling of the controversial arrest of a father and son in the Rodelio Vicente case, accusing the policemen of disrespecting the rule of law and the Senate committee.

“Dito ipapakita ko sa ‘yo, Mr. Chairman, na wala silang respeto sa’yo bilang dating PNP Chief, at bilang chairman ng committee na ito, at walang respeto itong tatlo sa Senado…These two (three) policemen were asked if they were willing to undergo the lie detector test… pumayag sila… Itong tatlong ito umatras,” Tulfo asserted.

Expressing further frustration, Tulfo criticized the contradictory responses from police officers regarding the existence of arrest warrants for the Vicentes, denouncing their actions as illegal and abusive.

In a subsequent development during the hearing, a motion was made by another senator, Dennis Padilla, to cite Police Major Allan de Castro, a suspect in Camilon’s disappearance, for contempt for allegedly lying while testifying.

Padilla asserted, “Minumungkahi ko po sa ating komite na ma-cite in contempt si G. de Castro. I so move.” Chairman dela Rosa approved the motion, ordering de Castro’s immediate custody for “lying before this committee.”

Addressing the contentious atmosphere, dela Rosa defended his commitment to fairness in conducting hearings, while expressing disappointment at Tulfo’s departure.

He countered Tulfo’s accusations, asserting, “The most insulting action is for that kasama mo dito magwa-walk out, walkoutan ka.”

Despite the tensions, dela Rosa reiterated his dedication to impartiality, emphasizing the need for respect and fairness in the proceedings. “Anyway, that’s his prerogative. Kung ayaw na niyang makinig sa hearing, nandyan na ‘yan. Ako naman I am trying to be fair here,” dela Rosa concluded.