Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro questioned Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa's remark that he would consider hiding instead of surrendering if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant of arrest against him.

In a press briefing on Thursday, March 20, the Palace Press Officer expressed concern over the senator's statement, pointing out his former role as the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Nakakapagtaka lamang po na siya ay dati pang PNP Chief, iyan po ba ang gusto niya ring ipahiwatig sa taumbayan na kapag may warrant of arrest ay dapat magtago (It is surprising that he is a former PNP Chief. Is that what he wants to tell the public—that if there is a warrant of arrest, one should hide)?," she said.

Castro said the administration does not support such a mindset, emphasizing that leaders should face legal complaints head-on.

She also warned that such an attitude could have negative consequences, especially for ordinary citizens who look up to government officials.

"Hindi po natin sinasang-ayunan ang ganoong klase pong paniniwala at kaniyang nais gawin (We do not support that kind of belief and intention)," Castro said.

"Hindi po ito makakabuti sa mga kababayan natin na mismong lider natin ay hindi haharapin ang anumang kaso o complaint na naisampa o maisasampa laban sa kaniya (This is not good for our fellow citizens if our own leaders do not face any case or complaint filed or to be filed against them)," she added.

Meanwhile, Castro raised Dela Rosa's relationship with arrested former president Rodrigo Duterte, questioning his absence from a recent trip to Hong Kong with the former leader.

"Parang siya nga yata ang medyo umiwan kay dating pangulong Duterte considering na hindi siya pumunta sa Hong Kong kasama sana nila (He seems to have abandoned former president Duterte considering that he did not go to Hong Kong with them)," he said.

“Hindi po ba dapat ang kaibigan ay walang iwanan (Shouldn’t friends stand by each other)?" she added.

Asked if the government, particularly the Philippine National Police (PNP) would act if an arrest warrant issued by the ICC against Dela Rosa would be issued, Castro said the law enforcement must fulfill its duty.

Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief during Duterte's administration, was a key figure in the controversial drug war, which the ICC is investigating for alleged crimes against humanity.

While the Philippines has repeatedly rejected the ICC's jurisdiction citing a capable justice system, the Philippines surrendered Duterte to the court on March 11, citing its obligation to Interpol.