Philippine Politics & Legal Affairs
Senate President Escudero: Dela Rosa Can Seek Sanctuary in Senate Premises Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Threat
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If the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, he may remain within the Senate premises until all legal remedies are exhausted, Senate President Francis Escudero stated on Monday.
Escudero’s comments followed Dela Rosa’s earlier declaration that he would seek Senate protection if such a warrant were issued.
During a press conference, Escudero referenced past instances where senators sought refuge in the Senate to avoid arrest warrants. He explained that the Senate’s stance in such cases is guided by “institutional courtesy” rather than legal provisions, ensuring that no member is arrested within Senate premises, particularly during sessions.
Escudero assured Dela Rosa that the Senate would support his efforts to pursue all legal remedies available to him. However, he clarified that this protection would only extend until the courts reach a definitive decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, Escudero confirmed that no requests for documents related to the ICC case against former President Rodrigo Duterte had been received by the Senate. He emphasized that any such requests would be promptly reported.
Duterte, currently in ICC custody in The Hague, Netherlands, faces charges of crimes against humanity for his role in the controversial drug war. The ICC alleges that Duterte and law enforcement under his leadership targeted individuals linked to drug-related activities, resulting in thousands of deaths. While official records cite 6,200 fatalities from June 2016 to November 2021, human rights groups estimate the number could be as high as 30,000 due to unreported cases.
Dela Rosa, who has also been implicated in the ICC case, has dismissed any forthcoming arrest warrant as illegal, arguing that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines following its withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. Both Duterte and Dela Rosa have petitioned the Supreme Court to bar the Philippine government from cooperating with the ICC.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, who initially opposed ICC jurisdiction, later acknowledged the arrest of Duterte, citing commitments to Interpol.
Escudero’s comments followed Dela Rosa’s earlier declaration that he would seek Senate protection if such a warrant were issued.
During a press conference, Escudero referenced past instances where senators sought refuge in the Senate to avoid arrest warrants. He explained that the Senate’s stance in such cases is guided by “institutional courtesy” rather than legal provisions, ensuring that no member is arrested within Senate premises, particularly during sessions.
Escudero assured Dela Rosa that the Senate would support his efforts to pursue all legal remedies available to him. However, he clarified that this protection would only extend until the courts reach a definitive decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, Escudero confirmed that no requests for documents related to the ICC case against former President Rodrigo Duterte had been received by the Senate. He emphasized that any such requests would be promptly reported.
Duterte, currently in ICC custody in The Hague, Netherlands, faces charges of crimes against humanity for his role in the controversial drug war. The ICC alleges that Duterte and law enforcement under his leadership targeted individuals linked to drug-related activities, resulting in thousands of deaths. While official records cite 6,200 fatalities from June 2016 to November 2021, human rights groups estimate the number could be as high as 30,000 due to unreported cases.
Dela Rosa, who has also been implicated in the ICC case, has dismissed any forthcoming arrest warrant as illegal, arguing that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines following its withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. Both Duterte and Dela Rosa have petitioned the Supreme Court to bar the Philippine government from cooperating with the ICC.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, who initially opposed ICC jurisdiction, later acknowledged the arrest of Duterte, citing commitments to Interpol.