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Makabayan Bloc Slams Bato Dela Rosa's 'Escape' From Senate; Demands Accountability
Photo credit: Makabayan Bloc
The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives strongly condemned on Wednesday what it described as the “escape” of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the Senate, calling it a serious failure of government institutions and a grave injustice to victims of the drug war.
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Atty. Renee Louise Co issued the statement on May 14, 2026, following reports that Dela Rosa was able to leave the Senate despite the reported issuance of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
“The fact that a person wanted by an international tribunal for crimes against humanity could slip out of a heavily secured government institution is a major failure of the Marcos Jr. administration and the Senate leadership, and it is a monumental injustice to the victims and their families. It is also further proof that justice for the drug war victims cannot be achieved under our current justice system.”
The bloc said the incident goes beyond a procedural lapse, calling it a “national embarrassment” and an example of how accountability breaks down when powerful individuals are involved.
“This is not a mere procedural lapse. This is a national embarrassment and a clear demonstration of how impunity works in practice when the accused is powerful and well-connected. Habang nagtatago ang dapat managot, patuloy na dinadala ng mga pamilya ng biktima ang bigat ng pagpaslang at kawalan ng hustisya.”
The lawmakers also called on the Senate leadership and security officials to explain how Dela Rosa was able to leave the premises and whether any internal lapses, coordination failures, or possible facilitation played a role.
They also raised concerns over a reported shooting incident that coincided with developments surrounding the warrant, questioning whether it may have been used as a diversion.
“The public deserves answers. The Senate leadership and security officials must immediately explain how dela Rosa was able to leave and who facilitated, enabled, or ordered lapses in security. The reported shooting incident that coincided with developments around the warrant raises serious questions on whether it was staged or exploited as a diversion to cover an escape. Dapat linawin ng Senado at ng PNP kung ginamit ang insidenteng ito bilang panakip-butas. Kailangang may managot sa anumang sabwatan at kapabayaan.”
The Makabayan bloc also urged the Marcos administration to ensure Dela Rosa is located and held accountable, stressing that state resources should be fully mobilized if necessary.
“We call on the Marcos Jr. administration to arrest dela Rosa and ensure he faces the charges against him in The Hague. The full resources of the state must be deployed to locate him, take him into custody, and bring him to justice. The government has a duty to uphold accountability, not to tolerate evasion or provide backdoor protection to high-ranking officials accused of grave crimes. Hindi dapat maging kanlungan ng mga pinaghihinalaang kriminal ang Senado.”
They warned that the incident reflects a deeper problem in the political system, where accountability is often weakened by political alliances and influence.
“This incident further exposes the rotten political system where accountability is hostage to elite alliances, patronage networks, and factional bargaining. Without sustained public pressure, truth and justice will always be delayed, denied, or derailed. Kailangang ipakita ng taumbayan na hindi na sila papayag na takasan ng mga makapangyarihan ang pananagutan.”
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Atty. Renee Louise Co issued the statement on May 14, 2026, following reports that Dela Rosa was able to leave the Senate despite the reported issuance of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
“The fact that a person wanted by an international tribunal for crimes against humanity could slip out of a heavily secured government institution is a major failure of the Marcos Jr. administration and the Senate leadership, and it is a monumental injustice to the victims and their families. It is also further proof that justice for the drug war victims cannot be achieved under our current justice system.”
The bloc said the incident goes beyond a procedural lapse, calling it a “national embarrassment” and an example of how accountability breaks down when powerful individuals are involved.
“This is not a mere procedural lapse. This is a national embarrassment and a clear demonstration of how impunity works in practice when the accused is powerful and well-connected. Habang nagtatago ang dapat managot, patuloy na dinadala ng mga pamilya ng biktima ang bigat ng pagpaslang at kawalan ng hustisya.”
The lawmakers also called on the Senate leadership and security officials to explain how Dela Rosa was able to leave the premises and whether any internal lapses, coordination failures, or possible facilitation played a role.
They also raised concerns over a reported shooting incident that coincided with developments surrounding the warrant, questioning whether it may have been used as a diversion.
“The public deserves answers. The Senate leadership and security officials must immediately explain how dela Rosa was able to leave and who facilitated, enabled, or ordered lapses in security. The reported shooting incident that coincided with developments around the warrant raises serious questions on whether it was staged or exploited as a diversion to cover an escape. Dapat linawin ng Senado at ng PNP kung ginamit ang insidenteng ito bilang panakip-butas. Kailangang may managot sa anumang sabwatan at kapabayaan.”
The Makabayan bloc also urged the Marcos administration to ensure Dela Rosa is located and held accountable, stressing that state resources should be fully mobilized if necessary.
“We call on the Marcos Jr. administration to arrest dela Rosa and ensure he faces the charges against him in The Hague. The full resources of the state must be deployed to locate him, take him into custody, and bring him to justice. The government has a duty to uphold accountability, not to tolerate evasion or provide backdoor protection to high-ranking officials accused of grave crimes. Hindi dapat maging kanlungan ng mga pinaghihinalaang kriminal ang Senado.”
They warned that the incident reflects a deeper problem in the political system, where accountability is often weakened by political alliances and influence.
“This incident further exposes the rotten political system where accountability is hostage to elite alliances, patronage networks, and factional bargaining. Without sustained public pressure, truth and justice will always be delayed, denied, or derailed. Kailangang ipakita ng taumbayan na hindi na sila papayag na takasan ng mga makapangyarihan ang pananagutan.”
May 14, 2026
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