SEN. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa would set a bad example to Filipinos if he goes into hiding instead of facing and defending himself before the International Criminal Court (ICC), Communications undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said yesterday.
Dela Rosa on Wednesday told reporters that hiding is one of the options that he is considering in the event that the ICC issues a warrant for his arrest in connection to the crimes against humanity case of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
He said that he will not surrender to authorities if he cannot get justice in the country.
“Iyan po ba ang gusto niya ring ipahiwatig sa taumbayan na kapag may warrant of arrest ay dapat magtago (Is that what he wants to tell the public, that you should hide if there is a warrant for your arrest)?” Castro asked.
She added: “Hindi po ito makakabuti sa mga kababayan natin na mismong lider natin ay hindi haharapin ang anumang kaso o complaint na naisampa o maisasampa laban sa kaniya (This will not be good for our countrymen, that their leader refuses to face the charges or complaint against them).”
Castro stressed that Malacañang is against the idea of people hiding to escape the law.
“Hindi po natin sinasang-ayunan ang ganoong klase paniniwala at kaniyang nais gawin (We do not agree with that kind of belief and actin),” she said.
Dela Rosa is one of the chiefs of the PNP that implemented the drug war campaign of Duterte, who was arrested and transported to The Hague last March 11.
The former president was surrendered to the jurisdiction of the ICC and is now staying at a detention facility in the Netherlands.
Castro reiterated the government would comply and assist in the serving of warrant and arresting of Dela Rosa should the Interpol request the Philippine government’s assistance.
