Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday pushed back against claims that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa “escaped” from the legislative building, following a chaotic security breach and a shooting incident that rattled the chamber Wednesday night.
Dela Rosa, who had been under Senate protective custody due to an unsealed International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, reportedly left the compound early Thursday morning.
The move sparked rumors that the lawmaker was evading authorities after gunfire erupted on Senate grounds, which many interpreted as a precursor to a forced arrest.
Cayetano, however, emphasized that since no local warrant has been served, the senator’s movements remain unrestricted.
“But again mali yung word na escape because there’s no warrant diba? There’s no warrant. So he’s free to go.”
The Senate President explained that Dela Rosa’s decision to leave was a reaction to the violence and a perceived threat to his safety.
He noted that the senator’s family was deeply concerned after the security perimeter was breached.
“I will not interpret because sabi niya baka because he did not escape during, after, but ang sabi din kasi nung asawa niya after niya nakita na someone will go so far as lusubin ang Senate just to get him, that’s why he did it.”
Cayetano further admitted that the high-tension environment justified the senator’s sudden exit, remarking,
“If I was in his shoes, I will escape when it’s least expected.”
As the political fallout continues, Dela Rosa’s legal counsel has petitioned the Supreme Court once more, seeking an immediate temporary restraining order to block any domestic enforcement of the ICC warrant related to the drug war investigation.