Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa returned to the Senate on Monday afternoon, May 11, following a months-long absence. His return was marked by a dramatic confrontation with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents who attempted to serve an arrest warrant within the Senate premises.
CCTV footage captured Dela Rosa emerging from a parking lot and utilizing fire exit stairs to reach the plenary hall. During the rush, the senator stumbled while climbing the stairs but continued running to enter the session.
Dela Rosa, who appeared visibly out of breath upon arrival, claimed that NBI agents were pursuing him specifically to prevent him from casting a vote in the Senate leadership race. Medical staff later provided treatment for wounds he sustained during the incident.
Senate Leadership Shift
The return of Senator Dela Rosa proved pivotal in a leadership coup against Senate President Tito Sotto. Dela Rosa cast his vote in favor of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who was subsequently elected as the new Senate President.
The vote resulted in 13 senators supporting Cayetano, while nine voted for Sotto and two abstained. Following the vote, Dela Rosa was greeted by allies including senators Cayetano, Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta.
Shortly after the events, the Senate complex was placed on lockdown with barbed wire installed at several entrances. Senate President Cayetano stated the lockdown was intended to prevent NBI agents from leaving the premises following a contempt order against them.
Legal Dispute Over ICC Warrant
The attempt to arrest Dela Rosa stems from claims by former senator Antonio Trillanes that the International Criminal Court (ICC) transmitted an arrest warrant to the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC). The warrant relates to Dela Rosa’s alleged role in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
Dela Rosa previously served as the first chief of the Philippine National Police under Duterte, who is currently detained in a prison in The Hague, Netherlands, for crimes against humanity.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla countered these claims, describing the document held by Trillanes as “inactionable.” Remulla stated that because the Philippines is not part of the treaty, local police cannot enforce an ICC warrant unless it is coursed through Interpol.
Conflicting Precedents and Political Context
Senate President Cayetano asserted that he will not allow the arrest of Dela Rosa unless a warrant is issued by a Philippine court. He based this decision on existing precedents involving former officials.
However, Antonio Trillanes argued that the Senate is effectively protecting a fugitive. He cited his own 2018 arrest for rebellion by the Philippine National Police during a Senate session as the proper precedent for such actions.
These events unfolded as the Senate prepares for a looming impeachment trial. On the same Monday, the House of Representatives impeached Sara Duterte for the second time.
The legal status of the NBI agents may remain uncertain until they are identified and the Senate lockdown is lifted. Future attempts to serve the warrant could depend on whether the ICC coordinates through Interpol, as suggested by the DILG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were NBI agents attempting to arrest Senator Dela Rosa?
Agents were attempting to serve a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding Dela Rosa’s alleged role in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
What was the outcome of the Senate leadership vote?
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected Senate President, replacing Tito Sotto, with 13 votes in favor, 9 against, and 2 abstentions.
Why did Secretary Jonvic Remulla call the warrant “inactionable”?
Secretary Remulla stated that the Philippines is not part of the ICC treaty and that the warrant must be served via Interpol to be enforceable by local police.
Do you believe the Senate should grant immunity to its members against international arrest warrants?
