Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte should convince her ally, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, to return to the Senate instead of blaming the administration for the leadership dispute, Malacañang said on Thursday, June 11.
The remark was in response to Duterte suggesting that resolving the Senate impasse would require all 24 senators — including those absent or in hiding — to participate in discussions.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Duterte’s proposal is unrealistic and sidesteps the issue.
“Mas maganda kung kanyang i-encourage, pipilitin na makapunta at makabalik si Senator Bato dela Rosa sa Senado para siya ay um-attend ng mga session,” Castro said in a press briefing.
[Translation: It would be better if she encourages or compels Sen. Bato dela Rosa to return to the Senate and attend sessions.]
Castro said a detained or absent lawmaker cannot simply participate without court approval, stressing that legal processes must be followed.
Dela Rosa is hiding from a standing arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity linked to the drug war. Senator Jinggoy Estrada is in detention for graft and plunder charges linked to flood control kickbacks.
Castro said Duterte, as a lawyer, should be aware of the limitations, citing legal precedents.
Malacañang said the Senate leadership row is not the fault of the executive branch, contrary to Duterte’s earlier claims.
Castro said some of the personalities involved are political allies of the vice president.
