Cayetano backs Dela Rosa's Senate refuge from ICC warrant

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano supports Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa's intention to seek refuge in the Senate if an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant is issued against him.

Senate President Francis Escudero stated on Monday that this privilege would be afforded to Dela Rosa, similar to cases involving other former senators seeking refuge from arrest.

Dela Rosa, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police during Rodrigo Duterte's presidency, has filed a petition with the Supreme Court to prohibit the Philippines' cooperation with the ICC and is awaiting a decision on his request for sanctuary within the Senate until its current session ends.

Escudero emphasized that while lawmakers can only seek refuge from arrest in the Senate if Congress is in session, it is institutional courtesy to allow such refuge. However, theoretically, an arresting officer could wait outside the Senate premises.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his drug war campaign and was arrested by local authorities on March 11 and handed over to the ICC.