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Padilla: Bato hiding from 'kidnappers'

Philippines | National

Padilla: Bato hiding from 'kidnappers'

By Dhel Nazario

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa does not want to be kidnapped.

Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa speaks during a press conference at the Senate in Pasay City, May 13, 2026. Senator Dela Rosa called on his fellow PMAers and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for support amid the case he is facing before the International Criminal Court. (Mark Balmores)

Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa speaks during a press conference at the Senate in Pasay City, May 13, 2026. Senator Dela Rosa called on his fellow PMAers and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for support amid the case he is facing before the International Criminal Court. (Mark Balmores)

Senator Robinhood Padilla said this to reporters on Monday, May 18, when asked why the senator is hiding despite the absence of an arrest warrant against him.

"Basta ako Si Bato ayaw niyang makidnap (What I know is Bato does not want to be kidnapped)," Padilla said.

This is Padilla's first public appearance since Thursday, when he allegedly accompanied Dela Rosa when the latter left the Senate hours after a shooting incident occurred inside the Upper Chamber's premises.

When asked if he maintains that he did not commit a crime, he said: "Sabi ni Senator Alan wala namang warrant si Bato (According to Senator Alan, Bato does not have a warrant)."

He refused to confirm that he personally drove the embattled senator out of the Senate premises, but said he would answer all questions through an official investigation.

Padilla denied that he and Dela Rosa were spotted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or that he escaped via a yacht, adding that it would be senseless for them to let themselves be seen, especially at an airport.

What he can confirm, according to Padilla, is that Dela Rosa will not leave the Philippines.

"Hindi gagawin ni Bato yun. Mahal niya ang Pilipinas (Bato will not do that. He loves the Philippines)," he added.

Related Tags

Ronald \'Bato\' Dela Rosa Robin Padilla Senate shooting Senate of the Philippines

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