House lawmakers on Wednesday said it is only a matter of time before former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa faces the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with his role in the bloody war on drugs.
House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list, responding to questions about the likelihood of an ICC arrest order against dela Rosa, emphasized that his involvement in the case makes it inevitable.
“Well, he’s part of the respondents of the case, and I think it’s just a matter of time,” Acidre said during a press conference.
Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union echoed Acidre’s statement, hinting that developments in the ICC case suggest that warrants for other respondents may soon follow.
House Assistant Majority Leader Raul Angelo Bongalon of Ako Bicol party-list, meanwhile, said the process must be respected. “Well for me, let justice take its course. Let’s wait and see,” he said.
Dela Rosa, one of the key implementers of the war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, has not been seen in public following Duterte’s arrest and transfer to The Hague, Netherlands. He, however, sent a message via a social media post regarding the matter.
“If all legal remedies are exhausted and still justice is to no avail, then I don’t want my family to suffer from cops looking for a heartbeat. I am ready to join the old man hoping that they would allow me to take care of him,” the senator said.
Ortega questioned Dela Rosa’s sudden absence, noting that he had previously been vocal about his willingness to face the ICC.
“I wonder if he’s okay, more so, if he’s literally missing for two days or has no statements, or no communication, maybe it’s more important for him to answer his whereabouts,” Ortega said.
He added that if Dela Rosa had not responded publicly, it must be because he is occupied with something “more important” – but questioned what could be more pressing than addressing the allegations against him.
Acidre called on Dela Rosa to uphold the rule of law, saying that as an elected official, he is bound by his oath to respect legal proceedings. He urged Dela Rosa to submit himself to the ICC process, emphasizing that accountability is a fundamental duty of public officials.
The party-list legislator added that the senator should take this as an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to the country and to justice.