MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday said that the cancellation of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s US visa is a “non-issue,” adding that it was the right of countries to bar entry of any citizen of any country.
“It’s the prerogative and right of every state to disallow or to allow any citizen of any country. I don’t know what reason it was canceled,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing.
“Did the US state any reason for the cancellation? But I understand according to Senator Dela Rosa, the embassy told him if he wants to renew, he can re-apply,” he said. “Pwede naman pala siyang mag-re-apply e. Sa akin, non-issue.”
Dela Rosa on Wednesday disclosed his US visa had been canceled and was told he can re-apply to secure a US visa again.
This was a month after rumors circulated about the cancellation of his visa supposedly because of his role in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against illegal drugs.