An emotional Senator Ronald dela Rosa made a heartfelt appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity committed during former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war.
Dela Rosa's Emotional Plea
In a press conference on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Dela Rosa was nearly in tears as he pleaded with Marcos not to allow his turnover to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands. "Mister President, Sir, I know you do not have any personal grudge against me, but as the father of our nation, please take care of us as your children," he said. "Take care of all Filipinos. The role of the government is to take care of its people, so please take care of us and do not hand us over to foreigners. That is my only appeal to him."
He added, "Not only for me, but for all Filipinos, please do not betray your fellow Filipinos to foreigners. And you know, Sir, the hardships I endured in service. I did everything for the country and not for my personal interest. I did not enrich myself in service; I worked hard faithfully."
Senator at His Lowest Point
Dela Rosa admitted he is currently at the lowest point of his life. He stated he will remain in the Senate building and perform his duties while awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on petitions seeking to prevent the implementation of the arrest warrant. He vowed to exhaust all legal remedies to avoid arrest.
Government Assurance
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro assured that the government will provide Dela Rosa protection in accordance with the law.
Betrayal by Former Senate President
Dela Rosa also expressed feeling betrayed by ousted Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who he claimed was aware of the plan to serve the arrest warrant but made no effort to prevent it within the Senate. "What he did was not only a betrayal of his colleague, but also a betrayal of the institution of the Senate," Dela Rosa alleged, claiming Sotto acted intentionally to avoid being ousted.
A total of 13 senators, including Dela Rosa who returned after six months of absence, voted on Monday, May 11, to oust Sotto. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano gained the support of 13 lawmakers, becoming the new Senate President.
Senate Protective Custody
Before the leadership change, a commotion occurred upon Dela Rosa's arrival as National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel allegedly prevented him from entering the building, leading to a staircase chase. Later, senators agreed to place Dela Rosa under the chamber's protective custody until he exhausts all legal remedies and the institution does the same. The Senate remains under elevated alert status following the arrest attempt.
