Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa broke his silence on his 64th birthday, saying he is ‘waiting’ for the emergence of what he calls ‘true justice’ to prevail.
In a statement released on his birthday, Dela Rosa criticized what he called “fake and foreign meddling,” asserting that justice should be pursued within the country and by Filipinos themselves.
“Here I am, alive and well, gratefully celebrating 64 years of this God-given life. I am waiting. Waiting for a true seeking for justice to emerge and take over. Not this threat of fake and foreign meddling, from those who do not and can never know us or be us,” the senator said.
The senator stressed that submitting himself to arrest and trial by foreign courts would, in his view, undermine the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes and soldiers who fought for the country’s independence.
“Kung papayag lamang ako na ako'y huhulihin at lilitisin ng mga tao at korteng banyaga, tila binalewala ko na rin ang pakikipaglaban ng ating mga bayani at sundalo para sa ating kasarinlan,” he said.
"Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang dugo at pawis ng mga Pilipinong lumaban para sa Pilipinas. This is patriotism," the senator noted. "I remain patient and composed. I remain dignified."
Dela Rosa also addressed critics who have been calling for his surrender, urging them to reflect on their position.
“To those who are all-too-eager and impatient, try flipping your script. Ask yourself: why are you excited to surrender your fellow Filipino to foreigners? Where is your moral fiber? Why are you the first to applaud the collapse of our sovereignty? I wait, too, for your change of heart,” he said.
The senator reiterated that if there are indeed cases filed against him, he would face them “as a Filipino and before Filipinos,” maintaining that foreign intervention in the country’s justice system is unacceptable to him.
Dela Rosa also expressed gratitude to his supporters and emphasized that he continues to wait “for a true seeking for justice to emerge and take over.”
The senator has been absent from Senate sessions since November 11, 2025. His continued absence followed the announcement by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, who claimed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had reportedly issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.
On January 16, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that reports claiming an arrest warrant has been issued against the senator remain an “allegation.”
