Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa vowed on Tuesday to fight the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant, asserting that his legal team will utilize every judicial avenue to remain in the Philippines and avoid trial in the Netherlands.
“We will exhaust all available means, legal means kailangang gawin natin lahat para hindi nila tayo madala doon sa The Hague. Sino bang Pilipino na gustong litisin sa ibang bansa?”
Represented by the Law Firm of Torreon and Partners, the Senator’s camp has filed an urgent manifestation and omnibus motion before the Supreme Court (SC). The filing seeks immediate judicial protection and guidance on the legal standing of the ICC’s warrant within Philippine jurisdiction.
Dela Rosa indicated that he would continue his legislative duties while awaiting the high court’s intervention.
“As usual aattend ako ng session and wait for the ruling of the Supreme Court sa mga petition na pinadala namin dun. I hope and pray [that a temporary restraining order will be issued by the SC]… ang proseso naman ay hindi lang sa lower court nag-a-appeal, puwedeng umakyat sa taas kaya inunahan na namin sa SC.”
After resurfacing on Monday following months in hiding, Dela Rosa clarified that he never left the country, citing his love for the Philippines. He admitted to the physical and mental toll of the situation, noting he has struggled to eat or sleep despite taking refuge in the Senate office of colleague Jinggoy Estrada.
“Dito lang ako, hindi ako aalis… Dalawang subo lang, parang hangin ang laman ng tiyan ko. ’Yung utak mo gumagana kahit na natutulog.”
Addressing his absence, the former police chief claimed he refused to take his salary while away from the public eye.
“Nahihiya na ako sa taumbayan na naghanap sa akin kahit na hindi ko kini-claim ang sweldo ko. I have to show up. Sabi ko sa staff ko gamitin n’yo dyan sa kawang-gawa para umabot sa taumbayan ang pera na ’yan.”