PNP could track Bato dela Rosa via possible online Senate attendance

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it could use Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s possible participation in Senate sessions through video conferencing to determine his whereabouts should the chamber approve proposed amendments to its rules.

In Maki Pulido's 24 Oras report on Wednesday, the attendance issue surfaced amid heated debates between the Senate majority and minority blocs over a motion seeking to amend Senate rules to allow senators to vote and participate remotely through video conferencing.

Members of the minority questioned the proposal, claiming it could benefit senators facing cases, investigations, or arrest warrants, particularly dela Rosa.

But even if remote participation is allowed, the PNP said law enforcers would take advantage of dela Rosa’s online appearance in its efforts to locate him.

“We will try to ascertain his whereabouts or his location using the link or whatever 'yung gagamitin nila (they will be using) sa pang teleconferencing,” said PNP Public Information Office chief P/Col. Allen Rae Co.

Dela Rosa has been linked to the crimes against humanity of murder before the International Criminal Court involving former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Also mentioned during Senate discussions were Sen. Bong Go, who was identified as a co-perpetrator in the ICC complaint, and several other senators facing separate complaints and investigations.

The proposed amendments to Senate rules have triggered concerns from critics who fear they could eventually be applied even during impeachment proceedings and other high-profile cases. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA News