Senator Imee Marcos dismissed as baseless the circulating reports claiming that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview on Wednesday, November 12, Marcos described the rumors as pure nonsense.
“Talagang malaking kabulastugan yung pinagsasabi nila. Na may balita, na mayroong warrant, na narinig nila, na may kopya, na hindi maipakita—pero sinintensyahan na kung anong gagawin. Ano bang kalokohan ‘yan?” she said.
The senator also criticized the conflicting statements issued by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla regarding the alleged copy of the warrant for dela Rosa.
“Tapos ayan, nagpauso pa na hindi magkasundo yung magkapatid. Yung kapatid naman ang sabi wala pa raw warrant. Pagkatapos non si (Executive) Secretary (Lucas) Bersamin, iba naman ang sinasabi. Talaga bang nililito ba tayo?” she pointed out.
Marcos further urged those spreading unverified reports to stop causing unnecessary alarm.
“Higit sa lahat, kung may warrant ilabas. Kung walang warrant, tumahimik na kayo. Tantanan na ninyo kami. Ano bang pananakot na ginagawa ‘yan?” the senator added.
Earlier, Ombudsman Remulla claimed in a radio interview last Saturday, November 8, that an ICC arrest warrant had been issued against dela Rosa.
The senator’s name has been among those rumored to be next in line for possible ICC action, following the reported arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with the deadly anti-drug campaign.