A reported confrontation inside the Senate on Monday involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel, and individuals linked in reports to former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has sparked an inquiry and heated exchanges on the floor.
According to a report by RH Raymund Dadpaas, the incident stemmed from an alleged International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant that was reportedly being enforced by NBI personnel who were present at the Senate premises.
The report claimed that the group attempted to block Dela Rosa from entering the plenary hall, resulting in a brief scuffle.
Dadpaas’ report further alleged that a pulling incident occurred during the confrontation, leaving Dela Rosa with a minor hand injury. The senator was still able to proceed to the Senate plenary after the encounter.
Upon arrival, Dela Rosa appeared visibly upset, questioning the presence and actions of the NBI inside the chamber.
“This is the Senate! Wala silang respeto sa institusyon ng Senado. Bakit ganun ang NBI?” he said in remarks inside the plenary.
Dela Rosa also said he intended to raise the matter directly with the NBI regarding the incident.
During the session, he claimed that Trillanes and others were present inside the Senate premises, specifically mentioning the Senate library, and called for the removal of NBI personnel from the building.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano responded by stressing that former senators are generally allowed courtesy access to the chamber unless they are involved in disruptive or unlawful activity.
“Sen. Trillanes, as a former member of the Senate, is welcome in the Senate and will be given due courtesy unless he is part of the harassment,” Cayetano said.
Dela Rosa countered, alleging Trillanes’ involvement in the incident and accusing him of coordinating with the NBI.
“He is part of the harassment. Kasama niya, siya ang nag-kuwan sa NBI na harangin ako dito,” Dela Rosa said.
A Senate CCTV footage has also been presented showing Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa being pursued by individuals identified as alleged NBI agents.
As of press time, Senate officials have gathered for the ongoing discussion of possible actions and clarifications regarding the presence of law enforcement personnel inside the chamber and the circumstances surrounding the reported confrontation.
