Netizens Praise Mel Tiangco and Karen Davila for Direct Questions to Bato
MEL TIANGCO and KAREN DAVILA – The veteran news anchors became trending topics online after their separate interviews with Senator Ronald dela Rosa on the evening of May 12, 2026.
Many netizens praised both journalists for asking direct and difficult questions regarding the senator’s actions following reports about an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Dela Rosa had reportedly stayed away from the Senate for six months after news surfaced in November 2025 linking him to the ICC investigation connected to the controversial war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands over allegations of crimes against humanity.
During an interview on the GMA news program 24 Oras, Mel Tiangco questioned Dela Rosa about his long absence from the Senate and asked why he suddenly returned after several months. She also raised concerns about his decision to stay inside the Senate building for protection and asked what he would do if authorities eventually ruled that he could no longer remain there.
Tiangco also questioned whether he would peacefully cooperate if the arrest warrant was officially confirmed as legal. Another topic discussed was Dela Rosa’s statement directed at President Bongbong Marcos, which some people interpreted as sounding threatening. Many viewers appreciated Tiangco’s straightforward approach, saying her questions reflected what many Filipinos wanted answered.
Meanwhile, Karen Davila’s interview on TV Patrol also gained strong reactions online. She directly confronted Dela Rosa about public criticism after videos and reports showed him running away from authorities and becoming emotional inside the Senate. Davila pointed out that many people remembered him as a tough-speaking former police chief, making the recent events surprising to the public. Dela Rosa responded calmly, saying people were free to form their own opinions about him. When asked about accusations that he appeared afraid compared to others who surrendered voluntarily, he admitted that he did not want to be brought to The Hague.