𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "Dela Rosa moves to secure Senate protection as ICC warrant looms" by Renee Jayne Canale

Layout by: Winchelle Anne Azul

Published by: Marino Peralta

Date Published: March 21, 2025

Time Published: 9:09 AM

Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa sought protection from Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Wednesday, March 12, urging the Senate not to surrender him if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant, raising legal questions with Congress in recess until June.

Dela Rosa broke his silence after the arrest of his close ally, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now in the custody of the ICC in the Netherlands and set to stand trial for crimes against humanity over his administration’s deadly war on drugs that claimed thousands of lives.

As Duterte’s former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and the chief enforcer of his administration’s anti-narcotics campaign, Dela Rosa was included in the roster of officials accused of crimes against humanity by families of drug war victims.

In an interview with ANC, Dela Rosa reiterated his stance, stating, "If an arrest warrant is issued and the government moves to detain me, I will avail of the protection that is going to be afforded to me by the Senate as an institution. If they say they can no longer protect me, then I will peacefully surrender myself."

Despite the looming legal threat, he remained confident, citing a promise from Escudero. According to him, the Senate President assured, "Wag ka mag-aalala. I will do everything I can as your Senate President. I can give you protection for as long as I am able."

Meanwhile, the senator admitted feeling "sad" over Duterte’s arrest and transfer to The Hague, where the former president faces trial for his war on drugs.

Addressing supporters in Davao City, he dismissed social media claims that he was in hiding. He insisted that while he could easily evade arrest, he chose not to in order to spare his family from potential harassment.

With Duterte now in ICC custody, Dela Rosa vowed to stand by him if all legal options fail, accusing the government of allowing the trial to proceed out of "greed for power."

REFERENCES:

[1] Abarca, C. (2025, March 12). “Bato dela Rosa to seek Senate protection from ICC” INQUIRER.NET. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/267106/bato-dela-rosa-to-seek-senate-protection-from-icc

[2] Villaruel, J.E (2025, March 13). “Bato to avail of 'Senate protection' in case ICC orders his arrest” ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/13/bato-to-avail-of-senate-protection-in-case-icc-orders-his-arrest-

[3] Mangaluz, J. (2025, March 13). “Bato turns to Senate for protection from ICC arrest” Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/13/2428110/bato-turns-senate-protection-icc-arrest