The Senate minority bloc and Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson have called for a peaceful resolution to the case of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, stressing his right to due process and warning against a violent arrest.
The minority urged the government to negotiate with Dela Rosa’s lawyers and give the senator a chance to answer the accusations against him before Philippine courts.
“The Senate Minority stands with Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa in defending his right to due process and supporting his call to answer the accusations against him before Philippine courts,” the bloc said.
“Walang Pilipinong dapat mamatay para lamang mapatunayan ng sinuman ang kanyang punto,” it added.
Lacson, meanwhile, said he hoped Dela Rosa’s arrest, if carried out, would not lead to violence or tragedy.
“He (dela Rosa) has his faults, as we all do. But whatever accusations he faces, he is entitled to due process, a fundamental right guaranteed to every Filipino, and for that matter, to every human being,” Lacson said in a post on X.
Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. The government announced a P50-million bounty for information leading to his arrest on Friday and gave him one week to surrender.
Lacson dismissed claims that the bounty and surrender deadline were meant to prevent Dela Rosa from voting in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the allegations “Bunga lang ng malilikot na isip.”
The senator also questioned the need for the P50-million bounty if authorities already knew Dela Rosa’s whereabouts.
“Kung alam na nila kinaroroonan, bakit kailangan pang magpatong ng P50 million na bounty?” Lacson asked.
The Senate minority offered to help facilitate talks between the government and Dela Rosa’s legal team to find a lawful resolution.IMT
