Kabataan Partylist Representative Renee Co has called on Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to stop using patriotism as a defense against accountability, following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has allegedly issued an arrest warrant against him.
Co argued that Dela Rosa’s actions reflect self-preservation rather than genuine love of country, stressing that patriotism cannot serve as protection from justice.
“Nagtatago ka dahil mahal mo ang sarili mo hindi ang Pilipinas. Hindi naman ikinaligtas ng mangingisda natin mula sa panggigipit ng Tsina ang pagtatago mo mula sa hustisya,” Co said.
She emphasized that allowing leaders to escape responsibility dishonors the sacrifices of Filipino heroes, noting that true patriotism is rooted in service and accountability, not in clinging to power.
“Balewala ang pinaglaban ng mga bayani natin kung makakatakas sa pananagutan ang mga pinuno tulad mo na nanguna sa pagpaslang ng libo-libong kapwa mahihirap na Pilipino. Ang patriotism ay mula sa sakripsyo at serbisyo, hindi sa pagkapit sa pwesto,” she added.
Dela Rosa, who previously served as chief of the Philippine National Police during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, has been linked to a campaign that reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.
Co further insisted that if the senator continues to evade arrest, he should step down from his post.
“Kung mag-aabang lang si Sen. Bato na maaresto siya, maiging magbitiw na siya bilang Senador. Di natin dapat paswelduhan ang pagtakas sa pananagutan. Maniningil ang kabataan ng hustisya kahit saan pa siya magtago,” she said.
Dela Rosa has not attended Senate sessions since November 2025.