Is the ?50 million for Bato about justice or diversion?

Today, Friday, marks the one week deadline given by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender to authorities. What happens next could unfold like a primetime teleserye, one that, hopefully, will not end in disaster.

Let us begin with the ?50-million reward offered by Remulla to whoever can help them locate the whereabouts of Bato. The announcement happened after Remulla divulged that they already knew exactly where Bato is. He even said that Bato is in Davao and being protected by an armed group.

Such statements triggered the inevitable questions: Why offer ?50 million if authorities have already pinpointed Dela Rosa’s whereabouts? What exactly is the reward supposed to accomplish?

Fifty million pesos is public money. In a country where millions struggle to afford food, medicine, and other basic necessities, the government owes taxpayers a compelling explanation for spending such a huge amount on one man’s arrest.

I remember that in 2017, former president Rodrigo Duterte offered a ?1-million reward for information leading to the capture of each of the remaining Abu Sayyaf members who had escaped after the deadly encounter in Inabanga, Bohol. The April 11 clash claimed the lives of civilians and members of the security forces. Given the security threat posed by the armed group, I considered the reward justifiable.

But ?50 million for Bato? The amount is indeed shocking! People are wondering why the government is willing to spend a huge amount of money for Bato’s information and yet ask its people to just buy pails in preparation for the El Niño.

What about other fugitives?

Consider Zaldy Co, Atong Ang, and others wanted under warrants issued by Philippine courts. Why not offer comparable rewards for information leading to their arrest? Is this not selective law enforcement?

Why does Dela Rosa’s case appear to command such extraordinary attention and financial resources when questions remain pending before the Supreme Court regarding the validity and enforceability of the ICC warrant issued against him?

Remulla has also reportedly warned of a possible dangerous confrontation if Dela Rosa refuses to surrender. Does this mean the government is willing not only to spend an enormous amount of public money but also to risk Filipino lives in pursuing an order issued by a foreign tribunal, whose domestic enforceability remains subject to legal challenge?

But there is another question: Why now?

The Supreme Court has recently declared unconstitutional certain budget provisions involving unprogrammed appropriations and other spending measures in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 national budgets. Also, the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte is about to resume this November 9. This is the time for the defense to present its evidence to controvert the evidence presented by the prosecution. People might become interested to know the version of the defense.

Thereafter, the impeachment court will render its decision. Whether or not the public accepts that decision, such big story might be overshadowed by a more compelling action and dramatic development about Bato’s arrest if the government resorts to force.

So, is this simply a coincidence? Or is the intense focus on Bato diverting public attention from the Supreme Court’s budget ruling and the impeachment proceedings?