In the Public Square: How to solve a problem like Bato?

Bookmark this page and watch the episode on Wednesday, May 20, at 8 pm

The Solicitor General says Senator Bato dela Rosa meets the definition of a fugitive from justice. But six months since he first went into hiding, and a week since he fled after what really looks like scripted turmoil in the Senate, Bato remains at large.

Is it only a matter of time before he is arrested, or is the administration not really that interested in arresting him? How, really, do you solve a problem like Bato?

In this new episode of In the Public Square, Rappler columnist John Nery is joined by the former chief of the Philippine National Police, Nicolas Torre III, who knows a thing or two about arresting high-profile accused.

In September 2024, he led the operation to arrest Apollo Quiboloy. In March 2025, he led the operation to arrest former president Rodrigo Duterte. During the turmoil last week, his name was mentioned often on social media. People kept looking for him. “Where is General Nic Torre?”

Watch the episode on Wednesday, May 20, at 8 pm.-Rappler.com