MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa should also be investigated regarding the release of heinous crime convicts during his term as chief of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), Malacañang said Thursday.

Dela Rosa served as Bucor boss from April to October 2018 after he retired as chief of the Philippine National Police.

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“With respect to Senator Dela Rosa, then that requires an investigation on whatever circumstances that made him sign the release papers,” presidential spokesperson Salvado Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

In a hastily called press conference Wednesday night, President Rodrigo Duterte said sacked Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Nicanor Faeldon and other officials of the national penitentiary should be investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman.

READ: Duterte to Faeldon: You’re fired

Dela Rosa earlier said 120 heinous crime convicts were released during his time as BuCor chief.

READ: Dela Rosa: Only 1 drug convict freed under GCTA during my term at NBP

He also said that most of the inmates he freed were convicted for rape and murder.

Also on Wednesday night, Duterte said he was sure Dela Rosa would be willing to submit himself to an investigation.

“I am sure. I am sure he would be ready to submit himself,” the President told reporters in Malacañang. /kga

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