Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s lawyer on Wednesday maintained that there is no valid Philippine warrant of arrest against the senator amid proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, lawyer Israelito Torreon said the ICC warrant against Dela Rosa had not been confirmed by any Philippine court, arguing that any charges against the senator should be pursued through the country’s judicial system.
“Gaya ng sinasabi namin, wala namang Philippine warrant of arrest. Hindi naman na-confirm ng any Philippine Court po ‘yung ICC warrant of arrest,” Torreon said.
He also questioned the government’s move to include Dela Rosa among wanted persons, saying the senator’s family had maintained a clear position on the matter.
Authorities have announced a P50-million reward for information leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest, describing the effort as part of a legitimate operation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Torreon argued that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect in March 2019, maintaining that the country has no continuing legal obligation to cooperate with the ICC.
“We are not part of the Rome Statute as early as March 5, 2019,” he said.
The lawyer also confirmed that they had filed an urgent manifestation before the Supreme Court, seeking action on their pending petition and motion for reconsideration.
According to Torreon, they are asking the high court either to grant their motion for reconsideration following the denial of their request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) or to grant their main petition, which challenges the Philippines’ obligation to continue cooperating with the ICC.
Torreon said any allegations against Dela Rosa should be addressed through the Philippine justice system, citing the principle of complementarity and the country’s functioning prosecutorial and judicial institutions.
“We are not evading from it, but we should respect Philippine sovereignty; mag-file sila ng kaso dito sa Pilipinas and I'm very sure Senator Bato dela Rosa will face it,” he said.
He added that Dela Rosa should face any appropriate charges in the Philippines rather than before a foreign court.
Asked whether negotiations could help prevent possible violence, Torreon said peace and order were the responsibility of the state and that they would respond if government representatives formally approached them.
“Kung they will really take efforts to approach us eh tao naman kami. We will surely respond. Pero ngayon wala, wala puro lang press conference but on our part I think we will stick to our humble position kung meron talagang kasalanan si Senator Bato,” he said.
However, Torreon maintained that they had received no formal request from the government to negotiate with the senator or his family.
“Wala kaming natatanggap na formal na request na makipag-negotiate sila and until now wala kaming natatanggap po,” he said.
On whether Dela Rosa would surrender, Torreon said the decision rested with the senator, adding that he saw no factual or legal basis for such a move under their current position.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said the formation of a task force led by Lt. Gen. Wilson Lopez to locate and arrest Dela Rosa.
