Vice President Sara Duterte has strongly opposed calls for Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to surrender following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for his arrest. In an interview in The Hague, Netherlands, the Vice President asserted that no one should call for surrender because any warrant not issued by a Philippine court cannot be enforced in the country.
VP Sara criticizes politicians prioritizing personal interests
VP Sara also expressed regret that some politicians seem to prioritize personal interests over public service. Her reaction stemmed from a resolution filed by five members of the Senate Minority Block on Tuesday, urging Dela Rosa to voluntarily surrender to authorities.
Minority resolution cites historical precedents
Under the proposed resolution, the minority emphasized that the chamber has historically respected judicial and prosecutorial processes involving its members and former officials. The minority cited examples of voluntary surrender by former Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Leila de Lima, and Juan Ponce Enrile.
The Vice President’s firm stance highlights the ongoing tension between the Philippine government and the ICC, particularly regarding the latter’s jurisdiction over local officials. She reiterated that the Philippines is a sovereign nation and that foreign courts cannot dictate legal processes within its territory.
The resolution has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some supporting the minority’s call for Dela Rosa to cooperate with international legal bodies, while others side with VP Sara’s position. Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief, has been a key figure in the government’s war on drugs, which is under ICC investigation for alleged crimes against humanity.
