Malacañang slams Dela Rosa's hiding remarks

Malacañang criticized Senator Bato Dela Rosa's statements about considering going into hiding in response to a potential International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro questioned Dela Rosa's suggestion, linking it to public perception and comparing it to Pastor Quiboloy's delayed surrender.

Dela Rosa, who was the chief of police during former President Rodrigo Duterte's term, reiterated he will not surrender if an ICC arrest warrant is issued against him.

He also stated he will not flee the country, saying he will remain in the Philippines where he was born and will die.

The ICC identified nine co-perpetrators in the arrest warrant served against Duterte, with Dela Rosa's name mentioned in the warrant, although the names of the nine were redacted.

Dela Rosa explained his decision not to surrender was due to the perceived injustice in Duterte's arrest, questioning if one should surrender when witnessing injustice.

While Senate President Francis Escudero assured protection within Senate grounds, Malacañang stated the government would implement any ICC warrant issued against Dela Rosa.