MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla is urging the public to focus on providing assistance to communities affected by recent disasters, as rumors swirl about a possible International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against his ally, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Padilla said he has been preoccupied with preparing relief goods for areas threatened by Typhoon Uwan, noting that both he and Dela Rosa recently traveled to storm-hit Cebu to distribute aid.
In a Facebook post, Padilla appealed for unity and compassion during the crisis:
“Busy po ako ngayon sa pagsasaayos at paghahanda ng relief goods para sa parating na bagyo. Bago niyo kami ipagkanulo para maipakulong, magbanat muna tayo ng buto para makatulong sa kapwa,” he wrote.
Padilla’s remarks came after Ombudsman Boying Remulla publicly claimed that the ICC has allegedly issued a warrant for Dela Rosa in relation to his involvement in the previous administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
The Department of Justice, however, has not confirmed the information.
Dela Rosa’s camp has urged the public to be cautious about circulating reports regarding the supposed ICC warrant against the former national police chief.