Dela Rosa Senate Protection became a heated topic after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa responded to criticism from a lawmaker questioning the Senate’s possible sheltering of him if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant.
Kabataan Partylist Representative Raoul Manuel had accused the Senate of abusing institutional courtesy, implying that if Dela Rosa seeks refuge in the Senate even when there is no session, it would be an admission of guilt.
In response, Dela Rosa dismissed Manuel’s remarks, saying, be a senator first, Cong. Manuel, so that Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero will listen to your request.
Previously, Senate President Escudero stated that he would not allow authorities to enter the Senate to arrest Dela Rosa.
He explained that based on Senate rules and practices, no member of the institution can be arrested within its premises, whether Congress is in session or not.
Dela Rosa expressed gratitude to Escudero for defending both him and the Senate’s institutional integrity.
However, the senator assured that his stay in the Senate would not be permanent should an ICC arrest warrant be issued against him.