President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed deep disappointment after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa slipped out of the Senate premises despite being placed under the chamber’s protective custody, Malacañang disclosed on Monday.
During a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro revealed the President’s frustration came to light during a meeting with top government officials. The meeting followed chaotic developments surrounding the attempted enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.
“Sa huling pangyayari patungkol doon sa diumano na pagtakas at pagkawala kahit na may protective custody ang Senado, nakakadismaya naman talaga,” Castro said.
(“With the recent incident regarding the alleged escape and disappearance even though there is Senate protective custody, it is truly disappointing.”)
Castro clarified that the President’s frustration was aimed at how the situation unfolded within the Senate grounds, rather than at members of his Cabinet.
Malacañang also strongly defended law enforcement against criticisms of operational failure, asserting that National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents were actively blocked from serving the warrant.
“There was no failure on the part of the NBI agents. Hinarang sila,” Castro insisted.
(“There was no failure on the part of the NBI agents. They were blocked.”)
The Palace went on to challenge the legal basis of the chamber’s actions, questioning whether it was appropriate for the legislative body to obstruct a law enforcement operation.
“The question is, was the Senate correct in interfering with the service of the warrant of arrest?” Castro asked.
The statement comes amid mounting political and legal pressure following Dela Rosa’s disappearance. The senator managed to evade heightened security and leave the complex despite the protective custody arrangements established by his allies in the Senate.
Castro referenced the Office of the Solicitor General’s classification of Dela Rosa as a “fugitive,” urging the public to hold accountable any government figures who may have facilitated his evasion of the law. She also took a direct swipe at Senator Robin Padilla, who critics allege assisted Dela Rosa in exiting the Senate complex.
“Kapag ordinaryong citizen na may warrant of arrest ay dapat sumuko. Pero bakit hindi natin nadidinig mismo kay Senator Robin Padilla ang ganoong mga salita patungkol sa kaniyang kaalyado na si Senator Bato dela Rosa?” Castro noted.
(“When it is an ordinary citizen who has a warrant of arrest, they must surrender. But why are we not hearing those exact words from Senator Robin Padilla himself regarding his ally, Senator Bato dela Rosa?”)
The severe political standoff stems from an ICC arrest warrant issued against Dela Rosa for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the thousands of killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
While the Philippines formally withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, the Marcos administration has maintained that local authorities may still act under domestic laws and existing international obligations, including coordination with Interpol.