Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday challenged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to face allegations against him, saying the senator should directly respond to accusations if he has nothing to hide.

In an interview, Remulla questioned dela Rosa’s actions and urged him to confront the complaints filed against him.

“I’m wondering about him. He was a former PNP chief, [and] he runs under the law. He should face it. Why is he disturbing the world? He should be held accountable,” Remulla said.

He added that public officials should not avoid legal scrutiny.

“Managot kasi yung mga gawain, sabihin mo kung wala ka talagang kasalanan, harapin mo. Anong klaseng tao ‘yan? Ganyan ba dapat maging senador natin? Tumatakbo sa batas?” he said, adding in English: “Is that the hero we want to portray?”

Remulla also told dela Rosa to directly answer the accusations against him, saying accountability is necessary in public office.

“Managot siya, harapin niya lang ang mga paratang at sagutin niya nang maayos kung wala talaga siyang kasalanan,” he said.

He further remarked that avoiding legal proceedings can be interpreted negatively.

“Flight is an indication of guilt. That’s a very basic tenet of criminal law,” Remulla said.

Asked what possible cases could be filed if investigations find irregularities in the alleged staging of a Senate shooting incident, Remulla said obstruction of justice would be the most serious charge.

“Obstruction of justice ang pinakamabigat diyan,” he said.

When asked if senators could be included in potential charges, he replied: “Whoever is found to be in on it.”

Earlier, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa had already left the Senate premises on Thursday, following the reading of a message from the senator’s wife during a press conference.

Reports said dela Rosa allegedly left the Senate with Sen. Robin Padilla and was later seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).