Malacañang Reacts To Sen. Dela Rosa’s Recent Remark over Looming ICC Arrest
Malacañang expressed a disagreement on the stance of Senator Bato dela Rosa that he considers hiding an option with regards to the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is currently detained in the ICC detention facility in the Hague following his arrest by the Philippine authorities last March 10. According to the Palace, the commitment of the government with the Interpol is the reason why it had to act on the former President’s arrest.
Duterte was flown to Dubai en route for the Netherlands on the same day that the Philippinee National Police (PNP) arrested him at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). He just arrived from Hong Kong when the arrest was implemented.
Following the turn of events that led to the arrest of Duterte, there are speculations and rumors that the ICC may release more warrants of arrest against the people who may have played a part in the war on drugs of the previous administration. Amid the criticisms, Malacañang defended that the government only did its job.
For several instances, Sen. Bato dela Rosa has spoken on the possibility that the ICC will issue an arrest warrant against him. Dela Rosa previously claimed that he is ready to join Duterte in case all legal remedies failed.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa also said that he will seek Senate protection in case the ICC issues an arrest warrant against him. According to the PNP chief turned Senator, Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero has vowed to help him to as much as the upper chamber can extend as an institution.
However, one recent statement of the Senator caught the attention of countless people as it is seemingly opposed to many of his prior statements. Sen. Bato dela Rosa affirmed that “hiding” from the authorities is an option he may consider if the ICC releases an arrest warrant against him. He questioned the act of surrendering if justice is allegedly hard in this country.
Malacañang gave a comment on the revelation of Sen. Bato dela Rosa that he considers “hiding” a possibility versus an ICC arrest warrant. Based on a report on GMA News, Palace press officer Atty. Claire Castro expressed a disagreement on the said stand.
”’Di sinasangayunan ang ganoong klaseng paniniwala,” Malacañang said.
Based on the report, the press officer of the Palace further expressed that it will not do good on the Filipinos if their own leaders are evading the accusations against them. Dela Rosa has yet to respond on the pronouncement of the Palace.
Recently, Sen. Bato dela Rosa also expressed his disappointed against National Security Adviser Eduardo Año for allegedly not prompting Duterte about the impending arrest. He stressed that the former President considers the NSA a friend.