Law firm challenges P50 million bounty for Senator Dela Rosa's capture

Torreon and Partners has publicly questioned the legal basis of the Department of the Interior and Local Government's P50 million bounty for the arrest of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, who has been in hiding since an ICC arrest warrant was issued. The firm notes that the Philippines withdrew from the ICC treaty in March 2019, and no Philippine court has adopted the foreign warrant or issued its own. It further challenges the characterization of Dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous,” stating that no court has made such a finding and the description originated from a briefing.

Citing PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2011-001, the firm says police must have an original or authenticated copy of a warrant to act. Because the reward comes from DILG intelligence funds, the firm argues it must comply with COA rules requiring agency head approval and proof of operational success. The firm urges the government to disclose the specific Philippine court order, case number, and legal justification for the payment.