The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed it could leverage potential online Senate sessions to trace the location of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, should proposed amendments allowing remote legislative participation be greenlit.
The statement comes amid intense floor debates between the Senate’s majority and minority blocs regarding a proposed rule change that would permit lawmakers to attend and cast votes via teleconferencing.
Opposition senators have fiercely challenged the amendment, warning that the policy could inadvertently shield lawmakers facing criminal complaints, active investigations, or standing warrants of arrest—specifically naming dela Rosa.
However, the PNP noted that law enforcement could turn the technology against fugitives or individuals avoiding physical appearance.
“We will try to ascertain his whereabouts or his location using the link or whatever ‘yung gagamitin nila sa pang teleconferencing,” said PNP Public Information Office chief P/Col. Allen Rae Co.
Dela Rosa has been under intense scrutiny due to his involvement in the crimes against humanity case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) tied to the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign. The Senate deliberations also spotlighted Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who is named as a co-perpetrator in the same ICC complaint, alongside other lawmakers currently entangled in separate legal probes.
Critics of the measure fear that altering Senate rules could set a dangerous precedent, potentially disrupting future impeachment trials and other high-stakes political proceedings.
In a related development, the PNP confirmed on Thursday that dela Rosa’s legal counsel in Davao City has officially received the order revoking the lawmaker’s firearms licenses and gun registrations.
According to P/Col. Co, the directive takes effect instantly, meaning the senator’s firearms must either be turned over willingly or be subject to confiscation through standard police operations.