Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte Gives Message for Sen. Bato dela Rosa on his 64th Birthday
RODRIGO DUTERTE
– The former President extended his birthday message for Senator Bato dela Rosa through Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa is absent in the Senate sessions since November 11. His prolonged absence in the sessions of the upper chamber came after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla claimed that the International Criminal Court has allegedly released an arrest warrant against him.
Photo Courtesy of Inquirer
Senate Pres. Tito Sotto previously confirmed that Sen. Bato dela Rosa is continuously paid as a lawmaker amid his absence from the Senate sessions. Senate Finance Committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian claimed that the “no work, no pay” rule does not apply to senators.
Amid the criticisms against him, Senate Pres.
Tito Sotto claimed that Sen. Bato dela Rosa’s office remains functional despite his absence
since November 11. The Senate Chief also previously said that a House member was allegedly absent for a year but remains to be paid.
Recently, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed his belief that Sen. Bato dela Rosa should return to work. Senate President Pro Tempore
Ping Lacson also claimed that it does not make sense to him that Sen. Bato dela Rosa is hiding
when there’s no ICC arrest warrant presented against him.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa was the first chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the tenure of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The former Chief Executive remains detained under the custody of the ICC since March 2025.
Former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the Philippine authorities last March 11, 2025. Amid the criticisms, the government claimed that the Philippine authorities acted on his arrest in lieu of its commitment with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
“Kanina nag-usap kami ni Pangulong Duterte at sinabi ko sa kanya birthday ni Senator Bato. Sabi niya, ‘Happy Birthday, Senator Bato! Magpakatigas ka na parang bato,’”
the Vice President said.
Based on the
post
“Of course, ako naman, lagi pare-pareho ‘yun noh sa lahat ng tao ang aking wish ay unang-una good health, pangalawa happiness dahil mahalaga din sa isang tao ‘yung kaligayahan, at siyempre pangatlo success in the year of the horse,”
Previously, amid his supposed hiding, Sen.
Bato dela Rosa released an official statement as he celebrated his 64th birthday