Questions surrounding Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s recent absences from the Senate took on new urgency as his legal counsel pressed the government to spell out how authorities intend to handle any possible action linked to reports of an International Criminal Court warrant. His lawyer, Israelito Torreon, said the lack of an established mechanism has created uncertainty about the senator’s safety and next steps.
Torreon emphasized that the senator’s legislative work is not at a standstill despite his physical absence. “Yung ministerial functions naman nandyan yung mga staff niya. He can perform through his staff,” he said, noting that routine duties can continue through his office personnel.
The lawyer raised concerns over how the Philippines might implement an international surrender request, pointing out that existing laws and guidelines do not offer clear direction. “Hindi pa klaro kung anong procedure na gagamitin ang Philippine government kung paparehasin ba siya ni Tatay Digong na parang manok lang kukunin. Hindi na idaan sa korte at idiretso na doon sa Hague, Netherlands,” he said. Torreon later added that authorities must identify the “proper procedure that is to be undertaken… in order to effectuate surrender,” stressing that “Wala tayong batas, wala tayong constitutional amendment, maski IRR man lang. So dapat, klaruhin ito ng gobyerno, and then, voila, he will appear.”
As discussions intensified, Torreon disclosed that he has not directly spoken with the senator in recent days, relying instead on updates from family members. “I am communicating with his wife and children. As to how he is, I am incompetent to answer that. But I’m sure he is okay,” he said.
He also acknowledged that he cannot state the senator’s exact whereabouts, though he believes he remains within the country. “I think so; he is still in the Philippines, but I could not confirm that with certainty,” Torreon said.
