Malacañang on Wednesday stressed that the Marcos administration extends government assistance and due process protections to all Filipinos, regardless of political affiliation, amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Sen. Ronald dela Rosa and the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement after dela Rosa publicly thanked her for earlier remarks emphasizing that the government would respect his rights and observe due process under the law.
“Ang nais lang natin ipabatid kay Sen. Bato at sa lahat na ang administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay patas, sumusunod sa batas at hindi karahasan ang pinapairal,” Castro said in a message to reporters.
(We just want to make it clear to Sen. Bato and everyone that the administration of President Marcos Jr. is fair, follows the law, and does not operate through violence.)
Castro added that government assistance should not be withheld from citizens simply because of their political color or affiliation.
“Ang lahat ng tulong na maipapaabot sa ating kababayan ng naaayon sa batas ay hindi ipagkakait,” she said.
(All assistance that can legally be extended to our fellow Filipinos will not be denied.)
She also stressed that public service should prioritize the welfare of citizens over personal or political interests.
The remarks came as tensions continue to rise over the possible implementation of an ICC arrest warrant against dela Rosa, who is facing crimes against humanity allegations linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa previously served as chief of the Philippine National Police during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.