Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña on Tuesday criticized Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, accusing him of evading accountability while becoming active in Senate political maneuverings amid renewed leadership tensions.

Perci Cendaña challenged Ronald dela Rosa to “stop hiding and face the cases” linked to his role as former Philippine National Police chief during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which has faced international scrutiny over alleged human rights violations.

Cendaña said dela Rosa should demonstrate courage by submitting himself to legal processes, instead of remaining out of public view on issues affecting ordinary Filipinos.

“Ipakita mo ngayon ang pinagyayabang mong tapang. Tigilan mo na ang pagtatago na parang daga at lumabas ka sa lungga mo. Sumuko ka at harapin mo ang kaso mo,” Cendaña said, stressing that accountability must be pursued for alleged abuses during the anti-drug campaign.

He also raised concern over the Senate’s continued protection of dela Rosa, describing him as a “fugitive of international law” amid ongoing questions surrounding possible international arrest warrants tied to the drug war.

Separately, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said dela Rosa has been largely absent from legislative duties but reappeared during recent Senate leadership disputes, calling his presence politically timed.

Co also alleged that recent developments in the chamber showed the influence of Duterte-aligned forces during the vote that targeted the leadership of then-Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and the subsequent political realignments involving Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

In a separate media interview, dela Rosa said he is willing to face any case in the Philippines rather than abroad, emphasizing his preference for domestic proceedings.

“When you say na harapin ko yung kaso dito sa ating Pilipinas, [ikagagalak] ko ’yan, ipagmamayabang ko ’yan na harapin ko dito sa ating bansa,” he said.