Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Wednesday, Jan. 21, marked his 64th birthday with a social media statement emphasizing his commitment to justice, national sovereignty, and patriotism amid ongoing controversy surrounding alleged international charges against him.

In his post, Dela Rosa assured the public that he is alive, in good health, and patiently awaiting the proper course of justice. He said he will face any legal cases against him in the Philippines, by Filipinos, and before Filipino courts, and rejected the idea of surrendering to foreign jurisdictions, calling it a disregard for the sacrifices of the country’s heroes and soldiers.

Dela Rosa has been absent from the Senate since November 2025, when Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed in a radio interview that a warrant of arrest had already been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“This is patriotism,” Dela Rosa wrote, stressing that he will not waste the blood and sweat of those who fought for the nation.

"Kung papayag lamang ako na ako'y huhulihin at lilitisin ng mga tao at korteng banyaga, tila binalewala ko na rin ang pakikipaglaban ng ating mga bayani at sundalo para sa ating kasarinlan (If I were to allow myself to be arrested and tried by foreign people and foreign courts, it would be as if I were also disregarding the struggle of our heroes and soldiers for our independence)," he said.

"Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang dugo at pawis ng mga Pilipinong lumaban para sa Pilipinas (I will never waste the blood and sweat of Filipinos who fought for the Philippines)," he added.

Dela Rosa also questioned critics who are eager to turn over a fellow Filipino to foreign authorities, challenging their moral judgment and warning against actions that undermine national sovereignty.

"To those who are all-too-eager and impatient, try flipping your script," he said.

"Ask yourself: why are you excited to surrender your fellow Filipino to foreigners? Where is your moral fiber? Why are you the first to applaud the collapse of our sovereignty? I wait, too, for your change of heart," he added.

The senator thanked supporters for their continued prayers, encouragement, and solidarity, saying their backing gives him courage in the face of the controversy.

On his birthday, he expressed a wish for the Philippines to be restored to “true nationhood,” where justice is served on Filipino soil, and citizens can stand proud as Filipinos.

Dela Rosa’s statement comes amid allegations of crimes against humanity related to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, though no arrest warrant has been issued against him.