MANILA, Philippines — Nancy dela Rosa, the wife of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, has publicly appealed to her husband’s former and influential associates to offer genuine backing rather than exploiting his current legal crisis for personal gain.
Taking to social media on Monday, October 26, Nancy called upon unnamed individuals who previously maintained close ties with the lawmaker to recognize that he poses no danger to the nation.
”I just pray that the powerful few who were also his friends would come to realize he is not their enemy nor the enemy of this state,” she wrote.
She further urged these acquaintances to refrain from taking advantage of his situation, emphasizing his past loyalty:
”Pls do not use him for your personal agenda. He has helped you in countless ways and he has done you no wrong personally.”
While Nancy did not name specific individuals or elaborate on their alleged personal agendas, she stressed that her husband requires assistance from those who once called him a friend.
”He needs your help, not your persecution,” she added.
Her plea arrives in the wake of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against Senator dela Rosa concerning alleged crimes against humanity tied to the Duterte administration’s controversial drug war.
Compounding the legal pressure, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently announced a 50-million-peso reward for details leading to his capture. Despite these developments, Nancy expressed gratitude to supporters who continue to stand by him.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson stated on Monday that staying within the country might offer Dela Rosa a safer alternative than fleeing abroad, where the risk of apprehension could be higher.
Lacson also emphasized the importance of upholding due process, urging authorities to ensure that any moves toward custody are handled peacefully and legally.