Sen. Bato seeks Senate protection vs ICC arrest

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa is seeking protection from the Senate against a potential arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Senate President Francis Escudero stated that Dela Rosa may seek asylum in the Senate should the ICC attempt to arrest him, citing institutional courtesy.

Escudero mentioned that while lawmakers can generally only seek refuge from arrest in the Senate if Congress is in session, this courtesy is extended in such cases, referencing past instances involving Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila de Lima.

Militant lawmakers criticized Dela Rosa's move, calling it an attempt to use the Senate as a "hideout" and a shield against accountability.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano expressed support for Dela Rosa's intention to seek refuge in the Senate while pursuing legal remedies, emphasizing due process and the protection of the institution.

The Senate's concept of sanctuary is to protect legal rights and institutional integrity, not provide immunity from the law, according to Cayetano.

This action comes as a petition filed by Dela Rosa and former president Rodrigo Duterte before the Supreme Court, seeking to permanently prohibit the Philippine government's cooperation with the ICC, remains pending.