MANILA, Philippines—Political tensions escalated on Tuesday after former senator Antonio Trillanes IV criticized Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa over reports of an alleged attempt by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officers to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC)-linked arrest warrant at the Senate.
Trillanes called the incident a “major embarrassment” for the Senate, saying it was “malaking kahihiyan” during an interview with DZMM.
The former senator also clarified that he was not there to execute the warrant, despite presenting a copy of the alleged ICC document to the media.
“Incidental lang na pinakita ko yung warrant kasi nasa NBI yung warrant,” Trillanes said.
He added that his appearance at the Senate was a “personal favor” to dela Rosa, who earlier challenged him to be present should an ICC warrant be issued.
“Andoon lang ako dahil personal na request ni Bato dela Rosa… akala ko sasama siya,” he said.
The controversy stemmed from a 2024 interview where dela Rosa told Trillanes: “Go ahead, make my day Mr. Trillanes… ikaw mismo magposas sa akin.”
Trillanes also criticized the Senate’s decision to place dela Rosa under “protective custody,” warning it could constitute obstruction of justice.
Vice President Sara Duterte, meanwhile, opposed the enforcement of international warrants in the Philippines, saying these must pass local courts before implementation.
“Mali ’yan… hindi issued by a Philippine court, should be presented in a Philippine court,” Duterte said.
Dela Rosa resurfaced at the Senate on Monday after months of absence amid reports of an ICC warrant linked to the Duterte administration’s drug war.
The ICC has confirmed issuing an arrest warrant against dela Rosa in November last year. The Department of Justice said it has not received an official copy of the warrant.
Senators earlier placed dela Rosa under Senate protective custody pending legal proceedings.
Written by Hannah Llano
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