The Senate Minority declared its support for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in defending his right to due process and supporting his call to answer accusations against him before Philippine courts.
In a statement, the bloc noted that while it understands the government’s desire to resolve the situation in the interest of law and order, a peaceful resolution respecting the law and protecting lives remains possible.
“The Secretary of the Interior and the Chief of the Philippine National Police have duties to fulfill. We respect those responsibilities and share their desire to bring this matter to a lawful conclusion. We offer our cooperation toward achieving that goal peacefully,” the Senate Minority said.
The group appealed to the executive branch, law enforcement, Dela Rosa, his family, counsel, and supporters to exercise restraint and keep lines of communication open.
“Secretary Remulla has expressed a preference for negotiations over an operation that could cost Filipino lives. We welcome that position. Walang Pilipinong dapat mamatay para lamang mapatunayan ng sinuman ang kanyang punto,” the Senate Minority also said.
The bloc pointed out that Dela Rosa has publicly expressed his readiness to face charges before local courts and called for peaceful support, urging the government to use his willingness as a basis for dialogue.
“Senator Dela Rosa has publicly said 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. The Minority is ready to help work out a lawful process through which the allegations can be heard and answered, with fairness to those seeking justice and a full opportunity for him to defend himself,” the group added.
Highlighting sovereignty concerns, the minority bloc recalled that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect in 2019, noting that countries like the United States, China, Russia, and India remain outside the treaty.
The group added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously rejected cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation on sovereignty grounds, while distinguishing cooperation with Interpol from cooperation with the ICC.
“Consider a hypothetical official visit to Manila by a foreign head of state subject to an ICC warrant, such as President Vladimir Putin. We would expect our authorities to examine Philippine law, international obligations, and the required procedures carefully before any arrest or surrender. Although the legal circumstances differ, Senator Dela Rosa, a Filipino citizen in his own country, deserves no less care in protecting his rights,” the Senate Minority said.
The bloc concluded by appealing to the President and concerned agencies to collaborate with Dela Rosa’s counsel to achieve a peaceful outcome, expressing confidence that national institutions can uphold the law and pursue justice without unnecessary loss of life.