MANILA — Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday rejected calls from fellow senators for him to voluntarily surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC), insisting he would first exhaust all available legal remedies as he faces possible prosecution over the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.
The former Philippine National Police chief made the statement after five senators filed a resolution urging him to submit himself to the ICC in connection with crimes against humanity allegations tied to the anti-drug campaign during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“Mag-ano sila, maghintay sila dahil meron pa naman akong available na mga legal remedies. So, maghintay lang sila,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa said he remains confident that the Supreme Court will fairly resolve his petition seeking a temporary restraining order against moves linked to the ICC proceedings.
“Inaasahan ko po na magiging patas ‘yung ating Supreme Court. Magiging patas. At sana walang... they should be free from pressures,” he said.
“Win or lose, at least the Supreme Court has spoken on the issue,” he added.
The senator emphasized that any attempt to arrest him must pass through Philippine courts, stressing that local legal processes should prevail before any international action could be enforced.
He added that if a Philippine court issues a warrant against him, his legal team is prepared to elevate the matter to higher courts while continuing to pursue all possible remedies.
For now, Dela Rosa said he is willing to stay within the Senate premises while carrying out his duties as a lawmaker.
“Pwede naman akong magtitira rito hangga’t senador ako. ‘Yun pa, baka makatipid ako ng gasolina,” he said./PN
