Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday emphasized that Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa cannot indefinitely use the Senate as a sanctuary to evade arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), highlighting that the protection provided is ‘limited’ under the Constitution. Lacson explained that the Constitution grants immunity from arrest when Congress is in session only if the penalty is less than six years.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson indicated that the majority of senators support Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s position that law enforcement agencies should exercise courtesy by refraining from serving arrest warrants within Senate premises. He acknowledged that if the situation arises, it would ultimately be Dela Rosa’s decision, but he cannot remain indefinitely at the Senate since the Constitution, as the fundamental law, will ultimately prevail.

Lacson noted that as of Tuesday, there has been no confirmation of an ICC arrest warrant for Dela Rosa. He shared efforts to contact Dela Rosa to offer moral support and advice on addressing potential criminal charges within legal frameworks, though his calls went unanswered. Lacson expressed a desire to guide Dela Rosa on facing the charges in accordance with the law and ICC rules.

The Department of Justice previously stated that the Philippines would comply if the ICC issues a warrant against Dela Rosa, with options like extradition or surrender under consideration once an official warrant is received. Dela Rosa, who was the chief of the Philippine National Police during the Duterte administration’s anti-drugs campaign, remains under ICC investigation.