Senator Ronald Dela Rosa is prepared to comply with legal procedures should a local court issue an arrest warrant against him, according to his lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio.

Topacio arrived at the Senate past 10 a.m. on Tuesday as part of Dela Rosa’s legal team while the senator remains under the protective custody of the Upper Chamber amid concerns over a possible International Criminal Court (ICC) move against him.

Speaking to DZRH News, Topacio stressed that due process must be strictly observed in any attempt to enforce an ICC warrant in the Philippines.

He explained that any warrant issued by the ICC must first undergo verification through the Department of Foreign Affairs or be certified through diplomatic channels before it can be acted upon locally.

According to Topacio, the verified documents would then be transmitted to the Department of Justice, which may file a petition for extradition before a Regional Trial Court (RTC).

He added that the RTC is expected to rule on the matter within 30 days, based on Supreme Court guidelines.

Topacio also said that if extradition is granted, Dela Rosa’s camp may still elevate the case before the Court of Appeals, which would suspend enforcement while the appeal is pending.

“Sumunod naman tayo sa batas. We are a government of laws and not of men. We should use the force of law and not the law of force,” Topacio said.

Topacio joined other members of Dela Rosa’s camp already present at the Senate, including Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, who earlier said they are prepared to seek a writ of habeas corpus should the ICC move to take custody of the senator.