“AVOIDING ARREST”
The senator had not been seen publicly since November before emerging on Monday to take part in an unexpected vote that helped Duterte loyalists capture control of the Senate.
Video released by the legislative body showed Dela Rosa being chased through the halls of the upper chamber by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officers.
On Tuesday, NBI director Melvin Matibag told reporters Dela Rosa had travelled to the Senate in the car of a fellow lawmaker, then bolted when approached by two agents attempting to serve a warrant.
He also denied that Dela Rosa had been “tackled and wrestled”, saying the senator had tripped on the stairs while being pursued.
“He was literally avoiding arrest,” Matibag said. “I was asked why there was a chase. I said he ran, that’s why we chased him.”
Newly elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters on Monday that Dela Rosa was under the Senate’s protection.
“We will allow an arrest under the condition that it is a Philippine court,” Cayetano said.
Asked Tuesday if he would submit to an arrest warrant by a local court, Dela Rosa said: “We will cross the bridge when we get there.”