MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he is “alive and well” as he marked his 64th birthday, amid renewed discussions surrounding possible cases against him.

“Here I am, alive and well, gratefully celebrating 64 years of this God-given life,” Dela Rosa said in an official statement published January 21, 2026.

The senator said he is waiting for what he described as a genuine pursuit of justice, rejecting what he called foreign interference in legal processes involving Filipinos.

“Waiting, for a true seeking for justice to emerge and take over. Not this threat of fake and foreign meddling, from those who do not and can never know us or be us,” he said.

Dela Rosa said that if cases are filed against him, he should be allowed to face them in the Philippines and before Filipino courts.

“If indeed there are cases against me, then I wait for a time and a certainty that I shall be able to face these cases as a Filipino, before Filipinos. Kung papayag lamang ako na ako’y huhulihin at lilitisin ng mga tao at korteng banyaga, tila binalewala ko na rin ang pakikipaglaban ng ating mga bayani at sundalo para sa ating kasarinlan,” he said.

“Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang dugo at pawis ng mga Pilipinong lumaban para sa Pilipinas. This is patriotism,” he added.

The senator said he remains calm amid criticism, describing himself as patient, composed, and dignified.

He also addressed critics who he said are eager to see Filipinos subjected to foreign jurisdiction.

“To those who are all-too-eager and impatient, try flipping your script. Ask yourself: why are you excited to surrender your fellow Filipino to foreigners? Where is your moral fiber? Why are you the first to applaud the collapse of our sovereignty?” he said.

Dela Rosa thanked his supporters, saying their continued prayers and messages strengthened his resolve.

“Sa lahat ng mga nakaalala at bumati, sa lahat ng mga patuloy na sumusuporta, nagdarasal, at nagmamahal: maraming salamat. I am even braver, knowing you are with me in this fight,” he said.

He concluded his statement by expressing hope that justice would be served within the country.

“On my 64th birthday, I make this wish, if I may be permitted: that the Philippines will once more be restored to true nationhood. One that demands that justice be served right here, on our shores, in our courts,” Dela Rosa said.

“Justice that requires us to stand tall and proud as Filipinos. Nothing more, nothing less,” he added.