The Department of Justice (DOJ) has urged singer-lawyer Jimmy Bondoc to disclose any information on the whereabouts of fugitive lawmaker Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest.
In a press briefing, Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said he has ordered the issuance of a letter-request to Bondoc, who serves as dela Rosa’s legal counsel, asking for any information that may help locate the senator.
“This is an opportunity for Attorney Bondoc to cooperate with legal processes and assist law enforcement authorities in the proper service of the ICC warrant,” Vida said.
He stressed that attorney-client privilege does not shield a lawyer from legal obligations, including cooperating with authorities or avoiding acts such as misleading law enforcement or harboring offenders.
When asked why Senator Robin Padilla was not being questioned despite admitting to actions related to dela Rosa, Vida said the lawmaker had already made multiple public admissions.
“Ang dami niya na hong inamin na ginawa niya,” Vida said.
He added that prosecutors will evaluate all available information and admissions to determine if there is sufficient basis for any potential charges.
The DOJ chief also said the department remains open to receiving information from anyone who can help locate dela Rosa.
“We are also open to anyone who will bring in or put forward facts and information that will help us fulfill our mandate,” Vida said.
“Tandaan niyo ang mandato ng Department of Justice, ipakulong ‘yong dapat ipakulong at i-exonerate ‘yong wala namang kasalanan,” he added.
In response, Bondoc said he will comply with the DOJ’s request once he receives the official letter, adding that neither he nor fellow counsel Israelito Torreon has knowledge of the senator’s location.
He also defended dela Rosa, saying there is no evidence that the lawmaker is “armed and dangerous,” and described him as an “officer and a gentleman.”
Dela Rosa reportedly left the Senate premises on May 14 following a shooting incident the day before. The Supreme Court earlier denied his petition for a temporary restraining order against government cooperation with the ICC, paving the way for enforcement actions.
The senator is facing allegations of crimes against humanity in relation to alleged killings between 2016 and 2018 during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
