TURNING POINT: The Best Choice

A rumor of an ICC arrest sent jitters to Senator Bato dela Rosa, forcing him to run and go into hiding. He has not reported to the Senate since November 11, 2025, but got, nonetheless, his pay and perks.

His long absence should now be a serious concern for the Ethics Committee; he could be dismissed. But maximum tolerance prevails. He remains a running senator outside the Senate Hall.

His scary run is ironic since, as the PNP Chief of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, he was fearless. At the nod of his patron, the lives of drug personalities and perceived enemies could be snuffed.

Duterte is now detained at the ICC for such bravado, for committing crimes against humanity. Bato, as the hatchet man of Digong, is next in line.

He is experiencing cognitive dissonance. He said he is willing to surrender when an arrest warrant is issued against him. Yet, he is hiding and avoiding visibility.

You cannot run forever. You get tired and will stop one day.

You cannot hide forever. You get bored and surface one day.

A fugitive’s life is harrowed with unsettling uncertainties. Better for Bato to face the music. Get a free jet flight to The Hague. And enjoy once more the company Of Tatay Digong.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., is retired professor and former chancellor of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental.)