The Senate Minority has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to pursue a peaceful resolution to the case of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa following the government’s offer of a P50-million bounty for his capture over an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a statement, the Senate Minority said it stood by Dela Rosa’s right to due process and supported his call to answer the allegations against him before Philippine courts.
“The Senate Minority stands with Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa in defending his right to due process and supporting his call to answer the accusations against him before Philippine courts,” the statement read.
The minority bloc acknowledged the government’s responsibility to uphold law and order but said a peaceful settlement remained possible.
“We believe a peaceful resolution that respects our laws and protects lives remains possible,” it said.
The group also appealed to the executive branch, law enforcement officials, Dela Rosa, his family and legal counsel, and his supporters to exercise restraint and maintain open communication.
It cited Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s stated preference for negotiations over an operation that could result in loss of life.
“Secretary Remulla has expressed a preference for negotiations over an operation that could cost Filipino lives. We welcome that position,“ the bloc said.
“Walang Pilipinong dapat mamatay para lamang mapatunayan ng sinuman ang kanyang punto,” the statement said.
“Senator Dela Rosa has publicly stated that he is prepared to face accusations and charges before Philippine courts. He has also called for peaceful support. We ask the government to consider his stated willingness as a basis for dialogue,“ they added.
The minority senators also offered to help facilitate a lawful process that would allow the allegations to be heard while ensuring fairness to those seeking justice and giving Dela Rosa the opportunity to defend himself.
The bloc further raised concerns over Philippine sovereignty and the legal basis for cooperation with the ICC.
While acknowledging that the legal circumstances differ, the bloc said Dela Rosa deserved careful consideration of his rights as a Filipino citizen.
The Senate Minority reiterated its appeal to Marcos and concerned government agencies to work with Dela Rosa’s legal counsel toward a peaceful resolution.
“We respectfully appeal to the President and the concerned agencies to work with Senator Dela Rosa’s counsel toward a peaceful resolution,“ the statement said.
“The Minority stands with our colleague and is ready to help facilitate that discussion, confident that our institutions can uphold the law, protect his rights, and pursue justice without needless loss of life,“ they added.
