By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Akbayan on Thursday accused Alan Peter Cayetano of turning the Senate into a “sanctuary” for Ronald dela Rosa following chaotic scenes inside the Senate complex linked to the senator’s ICC arrest warrant.
The opposition group criticized Cayetano’s leadership as “reckless, chaotic, and disgraceful” after tensions escalated Wednesday night when Senate security personnel reportedly fired warning shots amid unrest inside the compound.
The incident unfolded after agents from the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to serve an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa issued by the International Criminal Court, over his alleged role in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Dela Rosa allegedly sought refuge inside the Senate complex as authorities failed to carry out the arrest.
Akbayan president Rafaela David questioned the circumstances surrounding the commotion, saying there were concerns that the chaos may have been intentionally created.
“We are deeply concerned that the incident could have been staged to create disorder, possibly to aid an escape attempt or pressure the Supreme Court into issuing a temporary restraining order,” David said.
Akbayan further accused Cayetano of allowing the Senate to be used as a shield for political allies instead of protecting democratic institutions.
David said the Senate had been reduced to a “hideout” for a public official allegedly evading accountability.
“This is outright obstruction of justice and an unprecedented disgrace to the institution,” she said.
The group also pointed to reports claiming Dela Rosa was brought into the Senate earlier this week using a vehicle linked to Cayetano. The newly-installed Senate president reportedly acknowledged that his vehicle had been used.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied claims that government forces were responsible for the gunshots heard inside the Senate complex.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa’s legal team rejected allegations that the disturbance was intended to help the senator escape authorities.
Rumors circulated Thursday morning that Dela Rosa may have already slipped out of the Senate compound, though no official confirmation had been issued at the time.
Akbayan maintained that Cayetano’s actions represented a serious abuse of public trust and called for accountability over the incident.
“The Filipino people witnessed a disturbing spectacle inside one of the country’s highest democratic institutions,” David said.
The group insisted that the Senate should uphold the rule of law rather than serve as protection for officials facing legal action.
ia/xf
