MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Saturday warned that allowing the Senate to function as a “refuge for fugitives” could undermine public trust in law enforcement and weaken the justice system.
Matibag raised the concern during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, following the disappearance from public view of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who had earlier been placed under what Senate officials described as “protective custody.”
The NBI chief said the situation risks setting a precedent where legislative institutions could be perceived as shielding individuals subject to arrest or legal proceedings.
“It will send a bad precedent right now that the Senate can be used as a hiding place for fugitives,” Matibag said in Filipino.
He said law enforcement officials had previously coordinated with Senate leaders regarding Dela Rosa’s status after authorities attempted to serve an arrest order linked to proceedings connected to the International Criminal Court investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Matibag said there had been an understanding with Senate officials that the senator would remain under “protective custody,” but would be made available to authorities when required.
He stressed that such arrangements carry corresponding accountability, particularly when an individual is subject to legal process.
“What that means is that if you cannot let us take him, you will be responsible,” Matibag said, adding that custodial responsibility implies ensuring the person can be produced when needed.
He warned that weakening cooperation between institutions could erode respect for the rule of law and create perceptions that public office can be used to evade 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,” he said in Filipino.
