Calls for Cooperation: A Plea for Justice and Resolution
On Thursday, Senator Risa Hontiveros stepped into the spotlight, voicing urgent appeals for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to engage with authorities. This comes after the Department of Justice directed law enforcement to act on the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him.
Hontiveros highlighted a fundamental principle we all cherish: the rule of law. “Inuulit ko ang aming panawagan kay Senator dela Rosa. Igalang ang batas at mag-submit at makipagtulungan sa mga alagad at proseso ng batas,” she passionately stated. In English, that translates to: “I reiterate our call for Senator Dela Rosa: respect the law, submit to authorities, and cooperate with the legal process.”
With a deep sense of emotion, she added, “I pray for the peaceful and lawful resolution of this situation, which has already affected multiple institutions and the entire country itself. May justice be served.” Her plea resonates with so many who yearn for justice and accountability.
In the same breath, Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed his concerns for Dela Rosa and his family. “Pinagdarasal ko siya na sana po nasa mabuti siyang kalusugan, ilayo ng Panginoon Diyos sa sakit,” Tulfo shared, hoping for Dela Rosa’s health and well-being. His sincerity was palpable as he emphasized, “That is my prayer as a fellow senator, along with prayers for his family.”
When asked if Dela Rosa should surrender, Tulfo offered a nuanced perspective. “Kung ako ang tatanungin mo, siguro para hindi na mahirapan, ika nga, na magtatago. Pero nasa kanya yun,” he explained. If we could all feel his caring tone, it was evident: “But that decision is his. We cannot force a person to show himself. He has his freedom and can decide for himself.”
Senator Imee Marcos also voiced her thoughts, bringing attention to the ongoing legal proceedings. She gently reminded everyone that the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the validity of the ICC arrest warrant. “Alam naman ng lahat na ang motion for TRO lang ang na-deny,” she said, acknowledging that only the motion for a temporary restraining order was denied. “Let us wait for the decision, which is expected to be posted on the website on Monday.”
Marcos stressed the importance of patience, stating, “Hindi pa nakapagpasya ang SC tungkol sa validity ng ICC warrant of arrest; wala pang hatol, ika nga, ‘on the merits.’” The legal landscape remains uncertain, and all eyes are on the Supreme Court as they prepare to issue their decision.
At the center of this complex issue lies Senator Dela Rosa, facing an ICC arrest warrant linked to allegations of crimes against humanity tied to the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign. Just a day prior, the Supreme Court had denied his request for a temporary restraining order that would halt the enforcement of the ICC warrant.
As this story unfolds, one thing is clear: the collective voices of our senators resonate with the desire for justice, accountability, and resolution. The hope remains that through respect for the law and cooperation, a fair outcome can emerge for all involved.
