Malacañang has pushed back against mounting criticism over the botched attempt to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on an International Criminal Court warrant, insisting the Marcos administration is not ignoring demands for accountability.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the criticism Thursday, May 21, specifically responding to former Senate President Franklin Drilon, who had accused government agencies of deflecting responsibility during the failed warrant enforcement.
“We understand Sen. Drilon’s point of view, but we take a somewhat different stance because the administration only acts in accordance with the law, regulations, and facts,” Castro said.
Families of alleged extrajudicial killing victims have been among the most vocal in demanding action, and Castro said the President is listening. “Hindi pinipikit ng Pangulo ang mga mata niya at nakikinig siya sa mga taong sumisigaw ng hustisya,” she said — that the President is not closing his eyes and is attentive to those crying out for justice.
Castro also struck a measured tone on the pace of government action. “We stay focused without acting carelessly,” she said, adding: “Asahan ang mabilis at legal na aksyon ng gobyerno.”
The remarks come after Drilon sharply condemned the handling of the warrant attempt, which deteriorated into a shooting incident and a standoff between law enforcement and Senate officials within the Senate complex. “It’s a collective failure of leadership,” Drilon said, further arguing that procedural technicalities should not become a shield against justice for extrajudicial killing victims.
Castro maintained that Malacañang’s position remains consistent — that every action taken by the government is grounded in law and due process, not political calculation.
