'Pathetic' to see Dela Rosa hiding from ICC--Makabayan solons
At A Glance
- Makabayan congressmen have reminded Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa that he cannot use the Senate building in Pasay City as a hiding place from the International Criminal Court (ICC), even as the release of his arrest warrant is seemingly imminent.
Makabayan congressmen have reminded Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa that he cannot use the Senate building in Pasay City as a hiding place from the International Criminal Court (ICC), even as the release of his arrest warrant is seemingly imminent.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel says "it's pathetic" to witness a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief now trembling at the prospect of getting incarcerated by the United Nations (UN)-backed court.
"Bato Dela Rosa's desperate attempt to hide behind parliamentary immunity exposes the hollowness of the past administration's bravado. The thousands of victims' families deserve justice, not this shameful spectacle of powerful men cowering in fear of accountability," Manuel said Friday, March 14.
Manuel said that based on the Constitution, the Senate can only protect its members while there is a session. Currently, both houses of the Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) are on recess due to the upcoming elections.
Manuel's remarks came after Dela Rosa said he would seek protection from Senate President Chiz Escudero so he would not be handed over to authorities if and when an arrest warrant from the ICC comes out.
Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas says the Senate is not a hideout for criminals.
She added that the upper chamber must uphold its integrity and refuse shelter to those facing serious charges like crimes against humanity.
"When he was PNP chief, he used his position to orchestrate the killings of poor Filipinos under the bloody war on drugs. Now, he wants to hide behind his Senate seat to escape accountability," she said.
Brosas also called out Dela Rosa for political backpedaling. "Just a few days ago, he boldly challenged the ICC with 'bring it on' and even said he was ready to join and take care of Duterte in jail."
"But now that accountability is catching up to him, especially after Duterte’s arrest, he’s suddenly trembling in fear and scrambling for Senate protection,” she said.