The Philippine Palace has directly challenged Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to provide concrete evidence supporting his claims of ICC witness intimidation, dismissing his allegations as easily fabricated narratives. The Palace’s strong response escalates tensions between the government and the ICC, demanding proof before accepting the senator’s serious accusations.
Manila, Philippines – The Palace has issued a strong challenge to Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, demanding concrete evidence to support his explosive allegations that International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators are coercing retired police officials into testifying against him and former President Rodrigo Duterte.
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Palace Press Secretary Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro dismissed Senator Dela Rosa’s claims as easily fabricated narratives, urging the senator to provide verifiable proof. “It’s easy to make up stories,” Castro stated during a press briefing. “If Senator Dela Rosa has evidence that ICC investigators are coercing police officers, he should file an affidavit detailing these alleged acts of intimidation.”
Castro questioned the nature of the alleged coercion, highlighting the unlikely scenario of intimidating seasoned uniformed personnel. “These are not ordinary citizens; they are trained law enforcement officers. It’s improbable that they would be easily intimidated,” she emphasized.
The Palace’s response subtly alluded to past controversies, drawing parallels to accusations leveled against former Senator Leila De Lima. Castro suggested that the current allegations might stem from a familiarity with manipulative tactics employed in previous administrations. “Perhaps this is a case of ‘it takes one to know one’,” Castro remarked, referencing allegations by former Iloilo Mayor Jed Mabilog, who claimed he was pressured to testify against former President Duterte and subsequently fled the country fearing for his safety. “Mayor Mabilog’s experience suggests that those making these accusations might understand firsthand how to fabricate evidence and coerce witnesses.”
Castro’s statement directly challenged Senator Dela Rosa to present irrefutable evidence. “If Senator Dela Rosa possesses proof, and he claims to be familiar with such tactics, then he should release it immediately,” she declared.
The Palace spokesperson clarified that her remarks were not intended as a defense of the ICC but rather a critical assessment of Senator Dela Rosa’s claims. “We are simply analyzing the situation and the context in which Senator Dela Rosa made these serious allegations,” Castro explained. “The burden of proof lies with the accuser, and the public deserves concrete evidence, not unsubstantiated claims.”
The statement from Malacañang marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the Philippine government and the ICC. Senator Dela Rosa’s allegations, if proven true, would cast a serious shadow on the ICC’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s controversial “war on drugs.” However, the Palace’s demand for concrete evidence underscores the government’s determination to counter what it perceives as politically motivated attacks. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Senator Dela Rosa can substantiate his claims or if the Palace’s challenge will effectively neutralize the allegations. The international community will undoubtedly be watching closely as this high-stakes confrontation unfolds. The credibility of both the ICC investigation and the Philippine government hangs in the balance.