National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Saturday warned that allowing the Senate to become a refuge for fugitives would set a dangerous precedent and weaken public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.
Matibag issued the warning after Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa disappeared from public view despite earlier assurances from senators that he was under the chamber’s “protective custody” and would be made available once authorities formally sought his arrest.
“It will send a bad precedent right now na ‘yung Senate pwede palang pagtaguan ng isang pugante,” Matibag said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
The NBI chief said law enforcers had previously spoken with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and other senators regarding Dela Rosa’s status after authorities first attempted to arrest him on May 11 in connection with proceedings before the International Criminal Court.
“You took it upon yourself nung May 11, nung kami po’y unang pumunta roon para i-effect ‘yung arrest, na nag-usap,” Matibag said, referring to discussions between NBI officials and Senate leaders after law enforcers failed to take custody of Dela Rosa inside the Senate premises.
“Usapang lalaki po ‘yun with the Senate President and with the other senators na they’re saying he is under the protective custody of the Senate,” he added.
Matibag said “protective custody” carries responsibility, especially when authorities are looking for a person wanted in legal proceedings.
“Ang ibig sabihin nun na pagka hindi nyo siya pwedeng kuhanin sa amin, kami na bahala, pero ‘pag kailangan niya naman na sumagot sa batas at kailangan siyang ipresenta saanumang ahensya o korte, we will make him available,” he said.
He compared the arrangement to entrusting belongings to a baggage counter, saying accountability lies with the person or institution that accepted custody.
“Pumasok ka halimbawa na isang department store, pinaiwan mo ‘yung bag mo, anong ibig sabihin nun, ipinagtiwala mo sa kanya ‘yung bag mo na ‘yun,” Matibag said.
“‘Pag nawala ‘yan, may nangyari dyan sa gamit na ‘yan, sino ang mananagot? ‘Yung may hawak ng gamit na ‘yan,” he added.
The NBI chief warned that any perception that lawmakers or public institutions can shield fugitives could erode respect for the rule of law.
“I think kailangan ma-realize natin ‘yun because napapansin ko po there is a breakdown of law and order right now,” he said.
Matibag also said such a precedent could create the impression that elected office can be used as protection from accountability.
“Kung ikaw may balak maging professional criminal at maraming means ka to be a senator, magsesenador ka para ‘pag huhulihin ka nandudoon ka lang sa Senado,” he said.
Dela Rosa, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is among those linked to the ICC investigation into the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign. He briefly resurfaced at the Senate earlier this month to cast a key vote during the chamber’s leadership change before allegedly going back into hiding.