In an ambush interview at the Senate plenary, Padilla said he believes Dela Rosa would remain in the Philippines due to his attachment to the country.

“Ikukumpirma ko ‘yan na nasa Pilipinas. Hindi aalis ‘yun,” Padilla told reporters when asked to confirm if the senator was still in the country.

When pressed on reports suggesting Dela Rosa may be in Davao, Padilla responded, “Ngayon? Naku, ’di ko alam. Wala akong idea kung nasaan si Sen. Bato.”

Despite uncertainty over his location, Padilla maintained that the senator would not flee. “Hindi gagawin niya ’yan… mahal niya ang Pilipinas,” he said.

The senator also said he has no confirmation of ongoing communication with Dela Rosa and declined to comment on claims linking him to the senator’s absence from the Senate plenary session.

Authorities have not confirmed any official status regarding Dela Rosa’s location, while an investigation is reportedly underway. Padilla said it is up to relevant agencies to determine whether the senator should be considered a “person of interest.”

Senate sessions continued on the same day as the chamber convened as an impeachment court, where Dela Rosa was notably absent from the plenary session.