Palace dismisses persecution claims against fugitive Senator dela Rosa

The presidential palace on Tuesday disputed claims of persecution leveled by the family of fugitive Senator Ronald dela Rosa, insisting that potential legal action against him represents the proper functioning of the justice system rather than political harassment.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that dela Rosa's possible arrest was not an act of persecution, emphasizing that multiple complaints against the senator have been pending in the courts. Castro suggested that if dela Rosa's conscience were clear, he would not need to remain in hiding.

The remarks came after dela Rosa's wife publicly asserted that her husband was being targeted unfairly. The senator has been linked to operations during the earlier drug war campaign and now faces legal challenges related to those activities.

Malacañang's position reflects the government's stance that judicial proceedings against officials, regardless of their political standing, should proceed through established legal channels. Officials have previously called for dela Rosa to surrender and face the charges through the court system.

The case remains ongoing as de la Rosa continues to evade arrest authorities.