Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday called on the Senate leadership to defend the rule of law and the integrity of the institution following reports of an alleged ICC warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law and due process in the Philippines.
In a statement, Cayetano emphasized that extradition and all acts related to justice must be grounded on legal principles, not personal bias or emotions.
“Opinions change, but principles remain. That is how we preserve justice and protect democracy,” he added.
Cayetano addressed the public directly, particularly those monitoring developments involving Dela Rosa, assuring that no one is above the law.
"To our people, especially those fo2llowing the developments involving Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa — I want to assure you: no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection," he said.
“Every Filipino, whether senator or citizen, deserves equal treatment and the full measure of due process. The same Constitution that shields the powerless from abuse also holds the powerful accountable,” he said.
Cayetano has called on the Senate leadership to uphold the rule of law and protect both the institution and the integrity of the country’s legal system.
"Let us show that the Senate stands not for privilege, but for fairness," he said.
The senator also reminded everyone that the law should not be used as a weapon against others, but rather as a bridge that unites the nation through "justice without bias, and equality before the law."
“Let this be a reminder to all Filipinos — whether in power or in protest, in government or in opposition — that justice must never be used to settle political scores, but to serve truth," he noted.
"The law must not be a weapon to divide us, but a bridge that unites us in fairness, trust, and faith in the system we all depend on," the senator added.
Cayetano’s remarks come following the confirmation by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla that the ICC has issued a warrant of arrest against Dela Rosa.
