Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday evening, May 11, confirmed that no arrest will be carried out against Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, following discussions with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials amid tensions inside the Senate over a contempt ruling involving NBI personnel.
In a statement relayed during an interview, Cayetano said the decision came after the NBI acknowledged the Senate’s position that the matter should go through the courts and due process.
“According to the NBI director, as soon as they heard na ang stand officially ng Senate… hindi na nila pinursue ang arrest ngayon,” Cayetano said, referring to NBI Director Melvin Matibag. He added that both sides agreed to conduct a fact-finding review instead of immediate enforcement actions.
Cayetano clarified that the issue involves a contempt case, not a criminal or administrative matter, stressing that due process must still be observed. “This is not a criminal or administrative case… this is a contempt case,” he said.
He also confirmed that nine NBI personnel cited in contempt were placed under protective custody and would remain under the supervision of the NBI director instead of being detained inside the Senate.
“We agreed… they will be held in the NBI and asked to explain, then write me officially tomorrow,” Cayetano added.
Meanwhile, he said Senator Dela Rosa will remain inside the Senate premises for the time being, while security coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to ensure order amid reports of protest actions outside the building involving pro-Duterte groups.
Cayetano also emphasized that NBI operatives will no longer be allowed to enter the Senate premises without clearance, noting that the chamber would suspend proceedings until the situation is fully clarified.
“Hindi pwede… not anymore,” he said, referring to any unauthorized entry by NBI personnel.
The Senate leadership is expected to review the incident further and await official reports from involved agencies before any next steps are taken.
