Actress and television host Kim Chiu joined a chorus of public voices expressing dismay over the turmoil that engulfed the Philippine Senate this week, questioning voters’ accountability in the wake of events surrounding Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Chiu took to X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Grabe! Anong nangyayari sa Pilipinas? Bilang normal na Pilipino at nagbabayad ng tamang buwis, sa aking opinyon, walang mangyayaring ganito kung kusang susuko ang taong nagsasabing wala siyang kasalanan.”
Without naming dela Rosa directly, her message was widely understood as a reference to the former national police chief at the center of the Senate standoff. She added: “Pangalawa at huli, eto ba ang binoto niyong senador na nagsasabing magsisilbi sa ating bayan? Panahon na para pag-isipan natin na bumoto ng tama.”
The post came in the aftermath of a dramatic series of events at the Senate building in Pasay City, where gunfire was heard on the night of May 13. Dela Rosa, who carries an ICC arrest warrant tied to his role in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, subsequently slipped out of the premises in the early hours of May 14.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed the departure on Thursday afternoon, citing the Senate sergeant-at-arms. Cayetano said dela Rosa had left together with Senator Robin Padilla.
Malacañang also acknowledged dela Rosa’s exit, with Palace press officer Claire Castro stating that several sources confirmed he had left as of 11:09 a.m. on May 14, though official confirmation was still being awaited at the time.
Dela Rosa had earlier appealed to supporters on social media, warning that NBI and CIDG operatives were planning to arrest him after that day’s Senate session. He had asked the Supreme Court to block his arrest and maintained his innocence in connection with the ICC proceedings.
Chiu was not alone among public figures expressing concern. Actor Donny Pangilinan also reacted online, lamenting the situation with: “Ang lala. Umabot na tayo dito!”
Dela Rosa’s wife, in a message read by Cayetano during the press conference, asked for forgiveness for “all the confusion and havoc” the situation had created in the Senate.
