Malacanang on Thursday criticized Senator Bato Dela Rosa for saying he is looking into possibly holing up in the Senate or go into hiding altogether if the International Criminal Court seeks his arrest to face crimes against humanity charges with former President Rodrigo Duterte for their war on drugs. 

'Bakit ka susuko?': Bato mulls going into hiding from possible ICC arrest

“Nakakapagtaka lamang po na siya ay dati pang PNP Chief, iyan po ba ang gusto niya ring ipahiwatig sa taumbayan na kapag may warrant of arrest ay dapat magtago?” Malacanang Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing.

“Hindi po talaga tayo magtataka kung bakit natagalan sumuko or nahuli ang dating si Pastor Quiboloy.”

Castro earlier told TeleRadyo Serbisyo Malacanang has yet to receive news that the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Dela Rosa. 

She joked that Dela Rosa got advance notice of Duterte's arrest and did not take the same flight as Duterte's from Hong Kong to Manila.

"Dapat nga pô sinamahan niya. Ang tunay na kaibigan, dapat hindi nang-iiwan," she said.

In an interview, Dela Rosa did not rule out going into hiding as one of the courses of action being considered should the ICC seek his arrest.

Castro said the Palace does not support the idea of a Philippine leader refusing to face charges against him.

“Well,   anyway,   sabi   po   natin,   hindi   po   natin   sana—hindi   po   natin   sinasang-ayunan   ang ganoong klase pong paniniwala at kaniyang nais gawin. Hindi po ito makakabuti sa mga kababayan natin na mismong lider natin ay hindi haharapin ang anumang kaso o complaint na naisampa o maisasampa laban sa kaniya,” she said.