MANILA — In a bold and dramatic move, the Philippine Senate has placed Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa under protective custody following reports of suspicious surveillance inside the Senate premises and the confirmation of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him.
The decision came swiftly on Monday during a plenary session after Senator Rodante Marcoleta presented closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage allegedly showing individuals tailing Dela Rosa within the Senate complex.
“We have seen it all. I think this is the best evidence that can prove that the good senator, our colleague in this institution, is being chased by authorities,” Marcoleta declared.
Marcoleta strongly questioned the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) involvement, arguing that any international law enforcement matter should go through the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), the country’s Interpol counterpart. He also took aim at former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who had earlier presented what he claimed was a copy of the ICC warrant to the media.
“Is former Senator Trillanes now the sheriff of the ICC?” Marcoleta asked pointedly, describing the entire episode as an “insult” to the Senate.
Citing Article 59 of the Rome Statute, Marcoleta moved to place Dela Rosa under the protection of the Senate via Senate Resolution No. 44 while he pursues all available legal remedies. The motion passed without objection.
Newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano immediately approved the measure, stating it was consistent with Senate rules and precedent.
“Dela Rosa will enjoy the protection of the law and the protection of the Senate,” Cayetano assured.
The development marks a significant show of institutional solidarity within the Senate. Dela Rosa had only recently returned to the chamber after months of keeping a low profile amid growing speculation over the ICC warrant linked to the Duterte administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
The high-stakes political drama continues to unfold as the former PNP chief finds himself at the center of one of the most contentious international legal battles in recent Philippine history.
