HOUSE leaders on Wednesday asserted that it is only a matter of time before former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa faces the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his role in the Duterte administration’s 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 in response to a reporter’s question 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.
“Nasabi nga ni Cong Jude no, na ‘yung mga respondents ng case. Paano ko ba sasabihin ito? Ayon sa aking puting ahas, meron din akong puting ahas. Ayon sa aking puting ahas, hindi na spoiler ‘yan ‘yung warrant sa mga kasama sa kaso na ‘yan. Hindi na spoiler ‘yun, prediction na po ‘yun. Saka, nandyan na ‘yun ayon sa aking puting ahas,” Ortega said.
House Assistant Majority Leader Jil 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,” Bongalon 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.
Ortega questioned Dela Rosa’s sudden absence, noting that the senator had previously been vocal about his willingness to face the ICC.
“Siguro ako, more on okay lang ba siya kasi kung two days siyang literally missing o walang statements, of walang communication. Siguro mas importante kung masagot muna ‘yun kung nasaan siya,” 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.
“Eh wala naman akong makitang bagay na mas importante na kailangan niyang mag-react o sumagot so I just want to know if he is okay,” Ortega said.
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.
“Alam mo, mga halal na opisyal no, I use the standard for us to follow the law, is, the expectation is double than the usual,” Acidre said.
He urged Dela Rosa to submit himself to the ICC process, emphasizing that accountability is a fundamental duty of public officials.
“I think Senator Bato, I would like to appeal to his sense of nationalism, of course his sense of public duty to submit to the rule of law. Hindi option sa amin yan as elected officials. Sinumpaang tungkulin po namin ‘yan,” he said.
Acidre added that the senator should take this as an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to the country and to justice.
“Sana dito makita natin ang kanyang pagtupad sa kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin,” Acidre said.
