ASEANEWS HEADLINE-DU30 ICC EJK TRIAL | Bato’s Senate colleagues’ advice: Surrender, fight case in court

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate minority bloc has urged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender to authorities following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In Resolution No. 395 filed on May 12, the Senate minority bloc urged Dela Rosa to surrender to the “proper authorities” while seeking judicial remedies.

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved by the Senate of the Philippines, to urge Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. dela Rosa to voluntarily surrender to the proper authorities and seek judicial remedies in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws and rules,” the resolution read.

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While no longer a state party to the Rome Statute, she also noted that Congress passed Republic Act No. 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, which mandates the government’s cooperation, including the surrender of accused, with international tribunals such as the ICC.

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The minority bloc also said it furnished copies of the resolution to the Senate President, the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police and “other concerned agencies for their information and appropriate action.”

They added that the Senate has no “constitutional or statutory authority” to provide “‘protective custody’ or sanctuary from lawful arrest, surrender, or judicial processes.”

Philstar.com has reached out to the Department of Justice regarding the minority bloc’s resolution, but it has yet to respond.

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The lawmakers who signed the resolution are the following:

• Former Senate President Tito Sotto
• Sen. Francis Pangilinan
• Sen. Risa Hontiveros
• Sen. Bam Aquino
• Sen. Ping Lacson

The Supreme Court, in the case of Vallacar Transit and Baniban v. Yanson, explained that individuals with fugitive status cannot seek judicial relief.

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Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa shows his bandaged fingers to the media before the start of the plenary session at the Senate on May 12, 2026./ The Philippine STAR / Noel Pabalate

However, Dela Rosa appeared in the Senate on May 11 after six months of absence. The warrant against the former Philippine National Police chief is also an international warrant.

On the same day Dela Rosa appeared, the ICC also confirmed the existence of the arrest warrant against him. The Senate, through a motion from Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, granted protective custody to Dela Rosa.

In an ambush interview with reporters, Dela Rosa was asked about his reaction to the minority bloc’s resolution, but he said he had yet to read it.