SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is no longer staying within the Senate premises, a fellow senator confirmed on Thursday.
According to the source, a member of the Senate secretariat disclosed that Dela Rosa left the building in the early hours of the morning, exiting at approximately 2:30 a.m. This development marks a major shift after days of tight lockdown, heavy security presence, and intense standoff triggered by the International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against him over alleged crimes against humanity.
Details show that Dela Rosa was last spotted on Wednesday evening, walking with his staff toward the elevators right after coming from the office of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
His absence was further confirmed later in the day, when an official photo released by the Senate majority showed the chamber’s caucus following session adjournment — with Dela Rosa noticeably missing, alongside Senators Robin Padilla and Rodante Marcoleta, both of whom had been his staunchest allies during his stay under protective custody. Earlier that same day, his legal counsel, lawyer Israelito Torreon, had posted photos on Facebook showing them together inside the Senate building at around 12:45 a.m., just hours before his departure.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla also weighed in on the matter, confirming that Dela Rosa is safe and is currently accompanied by security personnel following the tense events that unfolded at the Senate, including reports of gunfire and a total blackout the night before.
His departure ends the unprecedented situation where the Senate served as his refuge for several days, but it also raises new questions about his next moves, his legal standing, and whether authorities will now move to enforce the outstanding warrant against him outside the legislative compound.
metrosundaily
