Chiz: Bato may seek refuge in Senate amid ICC probe

Updated Tue, March 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM Published Mon, March 17, 2025 at 2:39 AM

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero confirmed that Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa may seek refuge in the Senate if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant against him.

Escudero stated this protection is based on institutional courtesy and Senate tradition, not on law, asserting that law enforcement would not be permitted to arrest a senator within the chamber.

Dela Rosa, described as a "co-perpetrator" of former president Rodrigo Duterte in the ICC charges, had requested Senate protection while he exhausts legal remedies.

Escudero cited historical precedents of senators being allowed refuge in the Senate, noting no one has ever been arrested inside the premises.

However, Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel criticized the idea, questioning the use of institutional courtesy to shield Dela Rosa and stating that hiding in the Senate would imply guilt.

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Rodrigo Duterte Senate International Criminal Court Francis "Chiz" Escudero Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa

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