The law firm representing Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has questioned the legal basis of the proposed P50-million bounty for his arrest, saying government rewards require a valid Philippine arrest warrant and a designated case number.
Torreon and Partners argued that the case against Dela Rosa stems from the International Criminal Court (ICC), whose warrant has not been adopted by a local court.
The lawyers warned that labeling the senator “armed and dangerous” while offering a large bounty could encourage vigilante actions and unlawful arrests.
They also questioned the source of the reward money, warning that using intelligence funds without proper legal authority could violate government spending rules.
The law firm maintained that public funds must be used only for authorized domestic law enforcement and national security purposes.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 24, 2026
