Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) National President Atty. Allan Panolong said the legality of a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa will ultimately depend on the interpretation of the Supreme Court amid conflicting legal views surrounding the issue.

Speaking during an exclusive DZRH interview, Panolong said law enforcement authorities are currently respecting the Supreme Court’s order granting Dela Rosa 72 hours to submit his position paper regarding his pending petition.

“In deference and courtesy to the order of the court, no arrest accordingly from the law enforcers will be made against Sen. Bato,” Panolong explained.

The IBP president acknowledged that legal experts remain divided on whether an ICC warrant may be enforced in the Philippines without the issuance of a local court warrant.

One legal position, he said, argues that because the Philippines has withdrawn from the Rome Statute, local judicial processes should first take place before any arrest can be implemented.

Another interpretation points to Republic Act No. 9851, a domestic law that predates the country’s ratification of the Rome Statute, which allows cooperation with international tribunals and foreign investigations involving crimes against humanity.

“Kahit na nag-withdraw tayo sa Rome Statute, may domestic law tayo, RA 9851,” Panolong said, adding that the law may permit Philippine authorities to surrender or extradite an accused individual under certain conditions.

He also noted that obligations tied to alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member of the ICC may continue despite the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

“Tama po yan… hindi magiging paraan para maka-eskapo ka doon sa mga obligations at sa mga krimen na nagawa mo noong existing pa yung membership,” he stated.

Panolong emphasized that the matter is now under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which he described as “the last bulwark of democracy,” and said the public should await the High Court’s ruling on the issue.