Senate Minority Urges Gov’t ‘Peaceful Resolution’ with Bato’s Case

Photo via Manila Bulletin

Members of the Senate minority pushed the government to reach a peaceful resolution after announcing Senator Bato Dela Rosa’s P50 million bounty for his capture.

In a statement, the minority bloc senators said they stand with Sen. Dela Rosa in “defending his right to due process” and support his call to answer accusations against him before local courts.

The lawmakers said they also understand “the government’s desire to resolve this situation” and stressed that a “peaceful resolution that respects our laws and protects lives remains possible.”

“Senator Dela Rosa has publicly stated that he is prepared to face accusations and charges before Philippine courts. He has also called for peaceful support. We ask the government to consider his stated willingness as a basis for dialogue,” the statement said.

“The Minority is ready to help work out a lawful process through which the allegations can be heard and answered, with fairness to those seeking justice and a full opportunity for him to defend himself,” it added.

In an announcement last Friday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Sen. Dela Rosa is now considered armed and dangerous and placed a P50 million bounty for his capture, following his statement that over 10,000 Filipinos will die if they force arrest on him.

After the announcement, Philippine National Police chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued an ultimatum, giving Sen. Dela Rosa one week to surrender.

The minority bloc senators acknowledged that Sec. Remulla and Gen. Nartatez “have duties to fulfill,” and said that they will offer their cooperation “toward achieving that goal peacefully.

“We appeal to everyone concerned—the executive, law enforcement, Senator Dela Rosa and his family and counsel, his supporters, and anyone who can influence events on the ground—to exercise restraint and keep communication open,” their statement said.

“Secretary Remulla has expressed a preference for negotiations over an operation that could cost Filipino lives. We welcome that position. Walang Pilipinong dapat mamatay para lamang mapatunayan ng sinuman ang kanyang punto,” added the senators.

“We respectfully appeal to the president and the concerned agencies to work with Senator Dela Rosa’s counsel toward a peaceful resolution. The Minority stands with our colleague and is ready to help facilitate that discussion, confident that our institutions can uphold the law, protect his rights, and pursue justice without needless loss of life,” they said.