Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has already left the Senate, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed Thursday, following the reading of a message from the senator’s wife during a press conference.
Cayetano said he had been in contact with Dela Rosa’s wife, who relayed a statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the senator’s departure from the chamber after the overnight security incident on Wednesday.
“In behalf of my family, we would like to thank you and all the other senators for all the support you have done for my husband. At the same time I’d also like to ask for forgiveness for all the confusion and havoc it has created in the senate,” the message read, as cited by Cayetano.
The message added that Dela Rosa’s departure was not initially planned, but was taken in consideration of safety concerns during the situation inside the Senate.
It also said the senator believed his continued presence inside the chamber could further complicate the situation for other officials, noting that authorities would not storm the Senate while he remained inside.
“Nagulat at natakot na lang kami for his safety noong narinig namin nasa labas na sya. Wala sa plano but, knowing him I am sure he took the opportunity noong nagkaguluhan at nagkaputukan na. Pasensya na po sir…” Dela Rosa’s wife added through the text message.
Cayetano said Dela Rosa had been expected to remain inside the Senate compound for security reasons amid a 72-hour temporary restraining order, but was later surprised when he had already left.
He further clarified that the Senate did not arrest the senator.
“I’d like to clarify with everyone, we did not arrest Sen. Bato. We extended the courtesy and traditions of the Senate that hindi pwedeng mag-aresto sa loob. He is not under arrest from any of us. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no warrant of arrest for him,” Cayetano said.
Amid reports of Dela Rosa’s departure, unverified claims circulated on social media alleging that Sen. Robin Padilla and Dela Rosa were seen at the VIP area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 at around 4:10 a.m. for a purported domestic flight.
Authorities have yet to confirm the validity of the reports.
