Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed that Senator Ronald dela Rosa could seek refuge in the Senate if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant against him for crimes against humanity.
Escudero emphasized that the decision is based on "institutional courtesy," as the Senate traditionally does not allow law enforcement to arrest its members inside the chamber during a session.
He cited past cases of senators taking temporary refuge, including Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon Revilla Jr., Leila de Lima, Panfilo Lacson, and Antonio Trillanes IV. However, he clarified that Dela Rosa cannot stay indefinitely.
Dela Rosa, accused of being a "co-perpetrator" alongside former president Rodrigo Duterte in the ICC probe, reportedly asked to remain in the Senate until all legal remedies are exhausted.
He also criticized National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, accusing him of betraying Duterte amid reports of the former president's arrest and transfer to The Hague. Año has not responded to these allegations.
Meanwhile, former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde, who succeeded Dela Rosa, dismissed speculation that he could also face an arrest warrant.
He stated that the decision to cooperate with the ICC ultimately lies with the Philippine government.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) affirmed its readiness to assist Interpol in serving potential arrest warrants.
However, it maintained that all police operations during the Duterte administration followed legal procedures and did not involve extrajudicial orders.
Public outcry
Labor coalition NAGKAISA condemned Dela Rosa's plan to seek refuge in the Senate, calling it an abuse of power.
The group argued that the Senate should not serve as a safe house for fugitives and called for Dela Rosa’s suspension without pay.
Progressive organizations, including Bayan, Kabataan, Gabriela, and Karapatan, staged a protest demanding Duterte’s conviction and the country’s return to the ICC. They warned that failure to rejoin the ICC would perpetuate impunity.
As the ICC investigation unfolds, the Philippine government’s stance on international accountability remains under scrutiny.
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