Malacañang on Possible Arrest of Senator Bato Dela Rosa
Malacañang has firmly stated its stance on the possible arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as a co-perpetrator alongside former President Rodrigo Duterte in the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) case on crimes against humanity. The government remains vigilant and prepared to act if an arrest warrant is issued.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin addressed reporters during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s departure for the United States at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. He emphasized that there is currently no warrant of arrest against Senator dela Rosa from the ICC.
Legal Procedures and Government Response
Bersamin explained, “If there should be a warrant, we will probably do the same thing that we did in the case of the former President (Duterte). [The same goes] if the warrant is coursed through Interpol because we continue to be a member of Interpol.” He stressed that the government would follow existing legal protocols and act accordingly.
He further added, “We are not going to do things differently, unless the Supreme Court in those pending cases makes a different announcement about how we should proceed.” This highlights the government’s commitment to respecting judicial processes in the country.
Context of Duterte’s Arrest and Legal Framework
According to Bersamin, the arrest of former President Duterte was carried out in accordance with Republic Act No. 9851, also known as the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.” This law provides a framework for handling international crimes on Philippine soil.
He explained the rationale behind Duterte’s surrender, stating, “Our judgment, the President’s judgment was that the surrender option [of Duterte to authorities] was the better one.” Bersamin stressed that the government does not engage in discriminatory or politically motivated actions. “We are always very clear about that. We are not the ones who will make politically motivated actions, or those attributions to us that we are unfair,” he said.
Government Caretakers During President’s US Visit
Bersamin is among three Cabinet officials — alongside Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III — appointed as caretakers of the government while President Marcos Jr. is on his official visit to the United States from July 20 to 22. This ensures continuity in governance during the President’s absence.
Details on the ICC Case Against Duterte and Associates
Former President Duterte was arrested on March 11 by Philippine National Police and Interpol operatives following an ICC-issued warrant. On the same night, he was flown to The Hague, where he is set to face trial on charges tied to crimes against humanity. The case focuses on extrajudicial killings linked to his war on drugs during his terms as Davao City mayor and later as President.
The investigation covers the period from 2011 to 2019, during which the Philippines was a member of the Rome Statute. Prior to Duterte’s arrest, Interpol issued a diffusion notice after consultations with the Philippine government, which agreed to comply with the request for arrest.
According to ICC documents dated March 13, Duterte has several “coconspirators” in the case, although their names have been redacted. Local sources noted that the possibility of Senator dela Rosa’s arrest reflects ongoing efforts to hold accountable all individuals linked to these alleged crimes.
For more news and updates on crimes against humanity cases, visit Filipinokami.com.
