Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has commended Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra for his decision not to represent the Philippine government in the petitions filed by former president Rodrigo Duterte’s children before the Supreme Court.

“Mabuti pa itong Solicitor General, alam nila ang kanilang trabaho. Mabuhay po kayo, SolGen Guevarra et al., for refusing to defend this abusive government,” Dela Rosa said. (The Solicitor General knows his job. Long live SolGen Guevarra et al.)

The Mindanaoan lawmaker echoed the sentiments of former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, who argued that Guevarra’s decision indirectly affirms that the potential arrest of the former president is “illegal and unconstitutional.”

During Duterte’s administration, Guevarra served as secretary of the Department of Justice.

Dela Rosa has been vocal about his call for Duterte’s return to the Philippines, maintaining that any attempt to arrest the former president is unlawful. He reiterated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, as the country has withdrawn from the Rome Statute.

The senator also warned the public against online trolls attempting to create division among Duterte’s allies and supporters amid movements pushing for his return.

“Don’t be fooled by the trolls unleashed by our enemies and some attention-seeking individuals using divide-and-rule tactics to sow intrigue and distrust within our ranks. Let’s remain solid in bringing him back home!” Dela Rosa posted on his Facebook account.