Senate must not be a refuge for fugitives — NBI chief

Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa shows his injuired fingers as he returns to the Senate about 6 months since he was last seen in public. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag on Saturday warned against allowing the Senate to become a refuge for fugitives, saying it would set a dangerous precedent and undermine public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.

Matibag issued the warning after Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa disappeared from public view despite earlier assurances from senators that he was under the chamber’s “protective custody” and would be made available once authorities formally moved to arrest him.

“It will send a bad precedent right now that the Senate can be used as a hiding place for fugitives,” Matibag said in Filipino during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

The NBI chief said law enforcers had earlier spoken with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and other senators regarding Dela Rosa’s status after authorities first attempted to arrest him on May 11 in connection with the International Criminal Court proceedings tied to the Duterte administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign.

“You took it upon yourself on May 11, when we first went there to effect the arrest, to talk to us,” Matibag said in Filipino, referring to discussions between NBI officials and Senate leaders after law enforcers were initially unable to take custody of Dela Rosa inside the Senate premises.

“It was a gentleman’s agreement with the Senate President and with the other senators that they were saying he was under the protective custody of the Senate,” he added in Filipino.

Matibag said “protective custody” carries responsibility, particularly when authorities are seeking the appearance of a person wanted for legal proceedings.

“What that means is that if you cannot let us take him, you will be responsible, but when he needs to answer to the law and has to be presented before any agency or court, you will make him available,” he said in Filipino.

The NBI director likened the arrangement to leaving valuables at a baggage counter, saying accountability comes with custody.

“If you enter a department store, for example, and leave your bag there, what does that mean? You entrusted that bag to them,” Matibag said in Filipino.

“If it goes missing, if something happens to that item, who will be held accountable? The one holding that item,” he added.

Matibag warned that if lawmakers or institutions are perceived as shielding fugitives, it could weaken respect for the rule of law and encourage abuse of public office.

“I think we need to realize that because I have noticed that there is a breakdown of law and order right now,” he said.

The NBI chief also cautioned that such a precedent could create the impression that elected office may be used as protection from accountability.

“If you plan to become a professional criminal and have the means to be a senator, you will run for senator so that when authorities come to arrest you, you can just stay in the Senate,” Matibag said in Filipino.

Dela Rosa, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte and among those linked to the ICC investigation into the Duterte administration’s drug war, briefly resurfaced at the Senate earlier this month to cast a key vote during the chamber’s leadership change before allegedly going back into hiding afterward. /dm