Rep urges Bato to help Duterte defend against ICC

Ranking House of Representatives members believe it's only a matter of time before Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa faces the International Criminal Court (ICC), following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

During a press conference on Wednesday, March 12, Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega and Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre expressed their views that Dela Rosa could soon be sought out by The Hague-based ICC.

On Friday, March 14, Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin urged Dela Rosa to assist Duterte in preparing a legal defense rather than seek refuge within the Senate if an arrest warrant is issued by the ICC.

Garin stressed that as a key figure during Duterte's administration, Dela Rosa has crucial information for the former president’s defense and should focus on this instead of political controversy.

Dela Rosa had requested protection from Senate President Chiz Escudero in case there is an ICC arrest warrant against him, but Garin noted that the Senate may not be able to provide such protection due to the break in sessions.