Asked what he’s preparing himself for, he answered: Ready to fire [and] ready to speak.

“As I’ve said, I am willing to face Filipino courts. I am willing to be tried by Filipino courts. But by a foreign body, I am not willing,” said the senator.

He, however, stressed that it is not an indication that he will evade the law.

“Baka sabihin niyo sisibat na si Bato, hindi ako lalayas. Pag sinabi ng ating gobyerno, sinabi ng ating korte: Bato harapin mo yan, dito ka sa amin humarap — then haharap ako, harapin ko yan,” he said.