Human rights advocate and public interest lawyer Atty. Antonio “Audie” Bucoy said Friday that Sen. Ronald dela Rosa is already a “fugitive” in relation to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), and argued that he should no longer seek legal relief from Philippine courts while allegedly evading arrest.

In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Friday, Bucoy said the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court is valid and consistent with the Rome Statute, adding that the legal basis is further reinforced by the recent denial of a temporary restraining order (TRO) by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

“Miski nung una pa, nung hindi pa lumalabas ang TRO, eh puganti na ho siya. Sapagkat yun ang warrant of arrest na inilabas ng International Criminal Court ay naaayon sa ating batas na Republic Act 9851,” Bucoy said.

He added that the court’s refusal to issue a TRO signaled an initial recognition of the warrant’s validity, saying there was no showing of irreparable injury that would justify the request.

Bucoy further advised that if Dela Rosa seeks legal remedies, it should be before the ICC itself and not through Philippine courts.

“Sumuko na siya sa ICC. Doon siya humingi ng relief. Sapagkat yung kanyang relief tangi niyang makukuha doon sa husgado na nag-issue ng warrant of arrest,” he said, stressing that remedies under the Rome Statute are only available before the international tribunal.

The lawyer also cited recent Supreme Court doctrine stating that a fleeing accused may be barred from seeking provisional relief, arguing that evasion undermines the integrity of judicial processes.

“Flight is an implied admission of guilt,” Bucoy said, adding that courts generally reject petitions from individuals who do not submit to jurisdiction.

The ICC has issued warrants in connection with its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity during the anti-illegal drug campaign under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, which included then-police chief Dela Rosa, who now serves as a senator.

Dela Rosa has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in relation to the drug war and has questioned the jurisdiction of the ICC over Philippine officials.