Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday called on the public to demand the Senate surrender Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, following the chamber’s decision to grant the former police chief protective custody amid reports of an impending International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
Trillanes arrived at the Senate premises, claiming he was honoring a public challenge made by Dela Rosa for Trillanes to be present during his arrest.
“Nandito ako dahil nag-request si Bato, publicly, (on) national TV, na samahan ko yung mag-aaresto. Nandirito ako ngayon,” Trillanes told reporters.
The former naval officer warned that the Senate’s reputation is being tarnished by its refusal to cooperate with international legal processes.
He argued that the chamber should not serve as a sanctuary for those accused of severe human rights violations.
“Kailangan manawagan mga kababayan natin for the Senate to do the right thing. Again, lawmaking institution ang Senado, hindi siya law-breaking institution. Nagka-coddle sila ng kriminal,” he said. “Crimes against humanity ang kaso nito. Libo-libo ang pinapatay nito. Lahat tayo saksing-buhay diyan.”
Trillanes dismissed arguments that Senate premises are off-limits to law enforcement, citing his own 2018 arrest for rebellion as a clear precedent.
“Pinapakita ko yung video kung saan sini-serve sa akin yung warrant of arrest. Binabasahan ako ng Miranda rights, within Senate premises, while in session. Kaya ano yung sinasabi nila?”
The tension follows a motion by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, approved by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, to shield Dela Rosa from potential arrest while within the halls of the legislature.