The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday clarified that it cannot confirm reports claiming an arrest warrant has been issued against Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa.
ICC spokesperson Fadi El-Abdallah said official updates and announcements from the court can only be verified through its communications channels and press releases.
He made the statement following Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s earlier pronouncement that the ICC allegedly released a warrant against the senator.
El-Abdallah stressed that based on the tribunal’s records, only one case remains active, which involves former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague.
Dela Rosa’s camp earlier said it had not received any formal communication from the ICC regarding the supposed warrant.
His lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon, confirmed that they are aware of unverified reports circulating online, but are waiting for official confirmation before making further statements.
Although Dela Rosa has not been charged, he has been named by former Senator Antonio Trillanes as one of the officials under ICC investigation over the previous government’s anti-drug campaign.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano recently weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that the rule of law and due process must prevail in all judicial matters.
He said the Supreme Court’s rules on extradition proceedings serve as a reminder that justice must be guided by principle, not politics or emotion.
“No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection. Every Filipino, whether senator or citizen, deserves equal treatment and the full measure of due process,” he said.
“The same Constitution that shields the powerless from abuse also holds the powerful accountable,” Cayetano added.
