Malacañang on Monday backed statements made by Ombudsman Crispin Remulla regarding Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, saying recent events surrounding his departure from Senate protective custody highlight the importance of accountability and respect for the law.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cited the Ombudsman’s position that Dela Rosa is now being treated as a fugitive after leaving the Senate despite being under protective custody.
“Kitang-kita po natin kung ano mismo ang binanggit ng OSG — nabanggit na sa ngayon ay itinuturing na isang pugante itong si Senator Bato dela Rosa,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
She said the controversy should also encourage the public to be more discerning about issues involving law enforcement and public officials.
“So, napakalaking mensahe po ito na ang ibig sabihin tayo pong lahat ay dapat maging mapanuri kung ano dapat ang ipatupad na batas at kung sino ba dapat din ang makita natin na nagtu-tolerate sa paggawa nang hindi maganda, paggawa nang labag sa batas,” Castro added.
Remulla earlier criticized Dela Rosa for leaving the Senate, saying “flight is an indication of guilt” and that the senator should face the allegations against him instead of avoiding the process.
Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his alleged role in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign when he served as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Castro also questioned the alleged involvement of Senator Robin Padilla in Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate.
Padilla was reportedly with Dela Rosa when the latter left the Senate premises.
The Palace official noted that Padilla had previously urged former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to surrender to authorities in 2018 over a rebellion case, and asked why the senator had remained silent on Dela Rosa’s situation.
Castro said investigations into Dela Rosa’s departure are ongoing and that those responsible should be held accountable if any violations were committed.
“Kung sino ang dapat na managot dito, kung mayroong mga pagkukulang at may lumabag sa batas, mayroong nagtatakas or nagpapatakas ay dapat lang din po tayong mga Pilipino ay maging mapanuri sa mga nagiging aksiyon ng ating mga public servants,” she said.
She also revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appeared disappointed over the recent developments involving the Senate and Dela Rosa’s departure.
According to Castro, the President raised questions about the incident during a Cabinet meeting last week.
“Sa huling pangyayari patungkol doon sa diumano na pagtakas at pagkawala kahit na may protective custody ang Senado, nakakadismaya naman talaga,” she said.