The Philippine National Police is treating a proposed Senate rule change as a potential lead in its efforts to locate Senator Ronald dela Rosa, warning that any online appearance by the former police chief could be used to determine where he is hiding.
PNP Public Information Office chief P/Col. Allen Rae Co said authorities would exploit whatever platform the Senate uses for remote participation if dela Rosa joins sessions through video conferencing, according to 24 Oras.
“We will try to ascertain his whereabouts or his location using the link or whatever ‘yung gagamitin nila (they will be using) sa pang teleconferencing,” Co said.
The statement came as the Senate majority and minority blocs clashed over a motion to amend chamber rules that would allow senators to vote and participate in sessions remotely. Minority members raised objections to the proposal, arguing it stood to benefit legislators facing arrest warrants, pending cases, or active investigations — with dela Rosa cited as a primary concern.
Dela Rosa is among those linked to crimes against humanity charges of murder before the International Criminal Court in connection with the drug war conducted under former president Rodrigo Duterte. Senator Bong Go, identified in the same ICC complaint as a co-perpetrator, was also raised during Senate floor discussions, along with several other legislators facing separate complaints.
Critics have flagged broader implications of the proposed rule amendments, expressing concern that once adopted, the changes could eventually be applied to impeachment proceedings and other high-stakes cases before the chamber.
