Lawyer of Sen. Bato dela Rosa Speaks on Lawmaker amid Alleged ICC Arrest Warrant
BATO DELA ROSA – Atty. Israelito Torreon, the lawyer of the Senator, claimed that he has allegedly stopped responding to his messages amid the alleged International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against the lawmaker.
Recently, not only Ombudsman Boying Remulla but as well as former presidential spokesman Harry Roque claimed that the ICC has allegedly released an arrest warrant against Dela Roa. The Senator was no show in the Senate since the Ombudsman made the same claim last month.
Amid the questions on the veracity of his claim as neither the ICC nor the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed his claim then, Ombudsman Boying Remulla claimed that their non-confirmation does not invalidate his claim. According to him, he has a copy of the ICC arrest warrant and the other government agencies have allegedly yet to see it.
Recently, Harry Roque also claimed that the ICC arrest warrant against Sen. Bato dela Rosa was allegedly released a long time ago but it was only recently when the DOJ and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) allegedly received their copies.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa was no show in the Senate sessions since the chamber resumed from its break last November 11. Despite his long absence for a month now, Senate President Tito Sotto confirmed that the Senator continues to receive his salary.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also previously claimed that senators are not under the “no work, no pay” rule. Recently, the lawyer of Dela Rosa spoke about the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief turned Senator.
Atty. Israelito Torreon who previously claimed that Sen. Bato dela Rosa might make himself available after the government has clarified its course of actions claimed that they have no communication since November 7. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the lawyer also claimed that they were talking about a different topic then when they last talked.
“I have not been in communication with him since November 7, I believe… Iba ’yung topic namin doon, about (anti-corruption) rally-rally,” the lawyer said.
Atty. Israelito Torreon claimed that he communicates with Nancy, the wife of Sen. Bato dela Rosa. According to him, the Senator has stopped responding to his messages. Based on the report, he is also mum on whether or not Dela Rosa is communicating with his family.
“I cannot confirm whether he is communicating through his family. I am communicating with his family… I have been given full authority to do anything and everything for his defense,” Torreon added.