Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has revealed his intention to visit former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is reportedly detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. The statement was made during a media interview following his proclamation as a re-elected senator for his second term on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
“Nais umanong bisitahin ni Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa detention center ng International Criminal Court (ICC) sa The Hague, Netherlands,” confirmed the senator.
Dela Rosa said he plans to apply for a Schengen visa to make the visit possible. “Mag-try ako mag-apply ng Schengen visa. At kung bibigyan ako, tanungin ko sa ES Medialdea kung okay ba kung pumunta ako doon,” he told reporters.
The senator’s remarks come amid ongoing ICC proceedings investigating the controversial war on drugs launched during Duterte’s presidency, a campaign that Dela Rosa, as former Philippine National Police chief, played a key role in. Reports suggest that Dela Rosa himself is among those possibly next in line to face arrest by the ICC for alleged human rights violations.
When asked about the risks of being arrested if he personally travels to The Hague, Dela Rosa responded with defiance. “Bakit ba… gustong-gusto n’yo ko agad ikulong doon? Atat na atat kayo na ikulong ako doon ah?” he said, pushing back at what he saw as insinuations from critics.
Dela Rosa had previously mentioned his desire to visit Duterte and even joked about wearing a wig to disguise himself. “Mag-try ako mag-apply ng Schengen visa. Kung isyuhan ako, then maybe, well, kung may pagkakataon, before the elections sana makabisita ako sa kanya…baka before or after elections,” he reiterated.
Dela Rosa’s statements continue to draw mixed reactions from human rights advocates, political observers, and the public. As the ICC’s case progresses, the political and legal implications for both Duterte and his allies remain under close watch. The senator has yet to confirm whether his visa application has been submitted or approved.