Team DailyPedia
Senator Ronald dela Rosa opened up about the real reason behind his sudden return to the Senate after months of absence amid the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dela Rosa, who has been linked to the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, made the revelation during a one-on-one interview with Jessica Soho on ‘Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’ aired on Sunday, May 17.
According to the senator, fellow lawmakers urged him to return because his presence was needed during the Senate voting related to the chamber’s leadership change and the looming impeachment proceedings.
“Tinawagan ako ng aking mga kasamahan na kailangan nandito ako sa Senado para sa botohan. Tagal ko na ring plano na mag-resurface dahil nga aside din sa change of leadership, alam ko may darating na impeachment trial,” Dela Rosa said.
He also admitted feeling embarrassed over criticisms regarding his prolonged absence from Senate sessions while continuing to receive his government salary.
“Tapos pangatlo, nahihiya na ako do’n sa mga pumupula sa atin na sige tayo sa tanggap ng sahod galing sa gobyerno, hindi naman nagtatrabaho. Nagtatrabaho naman tayo. ‘Yong opisina natin, nagpa-function. Pero absent nga lang tayo,” he added.
Dela Rosa further disclosed that it was Senator Alan Peter Cayetano who personally coordinated his return to the Senate.
“Si Sen. Alan Cayetano, ‘yong aming majority leader. Pinasakay ako do’n sa van. Hindi ko alam kung kaninong van ‘yon. Basta sabi ni Sen. Alan, sumakay ka sa van,” he revealed.
The senator also narrated how he allegedly encountered agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) upon arriving at the Senate building.
“Kung alam ko na may nag-aabang, hindi na ako papasok,” Dela Rosa said.
“Pagpasok ko do’n sa pintuan, sa gilid, may mga nakaupo, dalawang babae saka may mga lalaki. Akala ko mga staff lang ‘yon ng senador o kaya mga driver.”
“Pagdaan ko, tumayo sila. Hinarang ako. ‘Sir, sir. NBI kami!’ Hinawakan ‘yong braso ko. So, nagpumiglas ako. Pagpiglas ko, takbo na ako. Habulan na kami hanggang makarating ako sa session hall,” he recounted.
The dramatic incident eventually sparked chaos inside the Senate compound on the evening of May 13, drawing widespread public attention online.
As of writing, Dela Rosa’s whereabouts remain uncertain following the Senate commotion. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration has reportedly placed him under an immigration lookout order to monitor his movements.
Senator Cayetano has yet to issue a statement regarding Dela Rosa’s claims.
