![[𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐘]The International Criminal Court has publicly unsealed a warrant of arrest against Sen...](https://img4.ngos1.com/211/527/940627802115278.jpg)
16/05/2026
[𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐘]
The International Criminal Court has publicly unsealed a warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in connection with alleged crimes against humanity arising from the Duterte administration’s drug war.
The Supreme Court has not issued a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or status quo ante order preventing lawful action in relation to the ICC warrant. In the absence of such judicial relief, no political branch may create immunity where the law provides none.
Senator Dela Rosa is entitled to due process and to all remedies available under law. But due process means submitting to lawful proceedings, not evading them. Public office, legislative privilege, or so-called “protective custody” cannot be used to place any public official beyond accountability.
The Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute did not erase liability for acts allegedly committed while the treaty was still in force. In Pangilinan v. Cayetano, the Supreme Court recognized, by way of dictum, that withdrawal does not affect duties and proceedings that arose before withdrawal became effective, including cooperation in connection with investigations and proceedings already commenced.
This issue goes beyond one senator. It concerns the thousands of victims and families who continue to seek truth, justice, and accountability for the killings committed under the drug war. It also concerns whether the Senate will uphold the rule of law or allow its institutional powers to be used as a shield for the powerful.
No one is above the law. Public office is not a sanctuary from accountability.
Read the full statement below.
