Senator dela Rosa weighs defiance against ICC arrest warrant

DAVAO CITY —Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has indicated that he is now considering refusing to surrender to authorities if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant for his arrest.

Dela Rosa, who played a key role in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, remains under scrutiny as the ICC continues its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to the anti-drug campaign. His latest remarks signal defiance against the ICC, reinforcing the Duterte administration’s long-standing rejection of the court’s jurisdiction over the Philippines.

“Well, kung wala tayong magkita na hustisya dito sa ating bansa, bakit ka susuko? Diba?” Dela Rosa said. “Titignan natin. Kung mayroong makita natin, may glimmer of hope na yung Supreme Court ay talagang panindigan niya ‘yung kanyang pagiging independent… I will cross the bridge when I get there.”

Should he decide not to surrender, one of his options is to remain on Senate premises for an extended period, something he believes Senate President Chiz Escudero would not oppose.

“Pag nandiyan ako sa loob, wala naman siya magawa… Alangan naman sabihin, palayasin niya ako… then depende na. Titingnan ko sitwasyon kung lalayas na ba ako o hindi.”

This statement follows his remarks just last week when he expressed readiness to be arrested and even accompany former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now detained in The Hague.