Bato ponders next moves

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is exploring several options in the event an arrest warrant is issued for him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Among these is to seek refuge in the Senate, citing the chamber’s institutional courtesy that prevents an arrest in its premises.

“It would be a good option for me because they cannot arrest anyone inside, and they should respect the Senate as an institution,” Dela Rosa said in a phone interview with Senate reporters on Wednesday.

He added, “That’s part of what we’re considering. It’s one of the courses of action that could be taken.”

While he refrained from elaborating, Dela Rosa referred to military strategies and principles of war in his response.

“If we can’t find justice here in our country, why would we surrender? We’ll see if there’s a glimmer of hope that the Supreme Court will truly stand firm in its independence, and if anyone in the Senate will also stand up for what should be done,” he said.

But, “I will cross that bridge when I get there,” he said.

Although he considered going into hiding, Dela Rosa stressed he would not resist arrest.

“How can you fight against the Philippine National Police? I know the power and might of the police because I’ve been the chief of the PNP. I know how it works. So why fight? It’s useless if you resist them,” he said.

Dela Rosa made it clear he does not intend to remain in the Senate premises indefinitely.

“I’m not saying I’ll stay there forever. We are still exploring other courses of action to take,” he said.

Bato lauds Guevarra, criticizes Año

Dela Rosa expressed support for Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra who refused to represent the Philippine government in the petitions filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s children before the Supreme Court.

On the other hand, he expressed frustration over National Security Adviser Eduardo Año’s failure to inform Duterte about his impending arrest upon his return to the Philippines from Hong Kong.

Dela Rosa praised Guevarra, saying, “The Solicitor General knows his job. Long live SolGen Guevarra et al. for refusing to defend this abusive government.” He emphasized that Guevarra’s stance reflected the illegality and unconstitutionality of Duterte’s arrest, echoing the view of former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo.

The senator, who has been vocal about the ICC’s lack of jurisdiction over the Philippines, reiterated that the country had withdrawn from the Rome Statute. He also warned against division among Duterte’s supporters, urging them to remain united in their efforts to bring the former president back to the country.

“I’ve heard rumors about a traitor within the group in Hong Kong, but I cannot confirm nor deny because I don’t know who the person is. There were rumors like that,” Dela Rosa said.

Regarding Año, Dela Rosa expressed disappointment over his actions, or lack thereof.

“Out of courtesy, on the part of Año, I had hoped he would contact former President Duterte’s staff and told them that he would be arrested once he got home.”

Dela Rosa clarified that his frustration with Año was personal rather than professional: “It’s more personal, not official. My anger is more on the personal level.”