Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, one of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s closest allies, has been vocal in condemning the arrest of the ex-leader. However, despite his staunch defense, the Palace pointed out that Dela Rosa himself admitted the validity of the warrant issued against Duterte.
In a press briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized Dela Rosa’s own words regarding the legality of Duterte’s arrest.
"We are not saints; none of us are saints. First and foremost, we are only enforcing the law. He himself (Dela Rosa) said that the warrant of arrest was valid," Castro stated.
Dela Rosa, who served as the chief implementer of Duterte’s war on drugs as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, had strongly criticized what he called a surrender of the country’s sovereignty. However, the Palace countered his claims, saying that the government had not relinquished any sovereignty in Duterte’s arrest.
"They accuse us of surrendering sovereignty. But who was the first to give up certain rights of our country to a foreign entity? Was it us?" Castro remarked, without elaborating further.
'Not a model of leadership'
Castro also took a swipe at Dela Rosa’s statements, suggesting that his stance on the arrest contradicts his position as a former top law enforcement officer.
"Senator Bato himself admitted that the warrant of arrest was valid. He was the one who said it. If he chooses to go into hiding, that is not a good model of leadership — especially for someone who was once PNP Chief," she said.
Dela Rosa has been repeatedly mentioned as a potential target for prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to his role in Duterte’s drug war, which saw thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings.
While government figures estimate nearly 7,000 deaths linked to the anti-drug campaign, critics claim the number could be as high as 30,000.