Bato dela Rosa Says He Got Little Sleep After ICC Arrest Warrant
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa admitted that he only managed to get a little sleep during his first night under the Senate’s protective custody following the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking briefly to reporters while heading from the sixth floor of the Senate building to his office on the fifth floor, Dela Rosa said he was able to rest only for a short time after a long and stressful day.
The senator spent the night at the office of Senator Jinggoy Estrada after the Senate session ended past midnight. The following morning, reporters spotted Dela Rosa casually dressed as he returned to his own office around 9 a.m. His staff were also seen bringing in luggage containing clothes and personal items, suggesting he may stay inside the Senate premises for an extended period while the legal situation continues.
Accompanying Dela Rosa was his legal counsel, Israelito Torreon, as the senator faces growing legal pressure connected to the ICC warrant. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the case, Dela Rosa said he plans to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the petitions his camp has filed. He expressed hope that the high court would issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) that could stop or delay actions related to the ICC warrant.
Dela Rosa also made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the Senate while waiting for the Supreme Court’s ruling. According to him, he will remain inside the Senate premises until there is a clear legal decision on his case.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it will not arrest Senator Bato Dela Rosa, respecting Senate custody, and both agencies will conduct separate investigations while coordinating and exchanging findings on the ICC-related issue.