Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang dismissed rumors circulating online that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa had been arrested, describing them as a “diversionary tactic” by allies of Vice President Sara Duterte to shift attention away from findings on her confidential funds.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro urged the public to verify information before believing social media posts, particularly those circulated by Duterte allies.
“Bago po ang ating mga kababayan na maniwala sa mga usap-usapan, alamin natin ang source. Ano ang motibo ng mga nagpapakalat?” Castro said.
[Translation: Before our fellow Filipinos believe rumors, they should first determine the source. They should also ask what the motive is of those spreading them.]
Castro encouraged the public to rely on established news organizations for verified information.
“Dito po natin hahanggaan ang mga nasa kilalang mainstream media na hindi biased dahil bago magbalita ay inaalam ang katotohanan.”
[Translation: This is where we should rely on established mainstream media, which are not biased because they verify the facts before reporting them.]
She claimed that posts by lawyers Jimmy Bondoc and Harry Roque about Dela Rosa contained no supporting details.
Castro said the timing of the rumors suggested an effort to divert public attention from issues involving the vice president.
“‘Timing’ ang ginagawa nila para matabunan ang mga naisiwalat ng COA patungkol sa mga walang resibo na paggasta ng milyong-milyong pisong confidential funds ni VP Sara sa OVP at DepEd. Makikita ang motibo sa ginagawang diversionary tactic ng mga kaalyado ni VP Sara.”
[Translation: Their timing is intended to overshadow the Commission on Audit’s findings regarding the millions of pesos in confidential funds spent by Vice President Sara at the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education without receipts. Their motive is evident in this diversionary tactic by the vice president’s allies.]
The Palace official again urged the public to be discerning when consuming information online.
Rumors of Dela Rosa’s alleged arrest spread online Tuesday following posts by Duterte allies, prompting speculation that authorities had begun enforcing the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the senator.
The Department of Justice said it could not confirm the reports, while Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Philippine National Police had no information indicating that Dela Rosa had been arrested.
The ICC confirmed in May that it had issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. The warrant was initially issued under seal in November 2025 before being made public.
The Supreme Court later denied Dela Rosa’s petition for a temporary restraining order to block the enforcement of any ICC warrant.
NewsWatch Plus has also sought comment from the ICC and Dela Rosa’s legal team.
