Senator Robin Padilla defended fellow Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa in a Facebook Live broadcast following reports that dela Rosa had been placed under Senate protective custody amid ongoing tensions involving law enforcement authorities.

During the livestream, Padilla described dela Rosa as a hero. While the former police chief thanked supporters and asked the public for prayers, saying, “Maraming salamat. Please, include us in your prayers.”

Padilla also questioned the unusual situation unfolding inside the Senate, comparing it to the past case involving former Senator Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV.

He recalled that during Trillanes’ standoff years ago, he had attempted to participate in what he called a “citizen’s arrest” but was unable to enter the Senate premises due to tight security.

The actor-turned-senator expressed surprise over the reported presence of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel inside the Senate building, saying, “Nandito na po sa loob ng Senado ang NBI.”

Padilla further alleged that Senate security personnel were physically confronted during the incident, stating, “Bukod po nandito sa loob ay nangbogbog pa ng tinatawag namin… pulis ng Senado.”

He described the situation as “extraordinary” and “kagulat-gulat (surprising).”

The remarks came after reports that dela Rosa was placed under Senate protective custody following developments linked to legal concerns surrounding his role in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.