(Photo courtesy of PCO)
Malacañang defended the use of confidential funds in the reported manhunt for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, saying government resources allocated for law enforcement operations should be used to produce concrete results.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement when asked about the operation to locate the senator, who is reportedly being sought in connection with proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the reported Php 50 million bounty for his capture.
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has entrusted the operation to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, which are responsible for carrying out their duties in accordance with the law.
She explained that confidential funds are intended to support sensitive government operations, including efforts to locate individuals being sought by authorities.
“Confidential funds should be used here, not just anywhere. There should be results,” Castro said.
The Palace official stressed that the use of such funds must serve a legitimate operational purpose rather than be spent without measurable outcomes.
Her remarks came amid questions surrounding the reported Php 50 million reward and the government’s efforts to locate dela Rosa.
Castro maintained that law enforcement agencies have been given responsibility for the operation, emphasizing the need for effective use of government resources.
The reported bounty and the legal basis for any arrest operation have not been independently established in the information provided.
Dela Rosa has been linked to the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity arising from the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
