Bato Dela Rosa: Failure to Protect Citizens from ICC and Interpol is an Impeachable Offense

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Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, the first Philippine National Police chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte, has issued a bold warning: a president’s failure to shield citizens from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) constitutes an impeachable offense. Speaking on DWIZ radio on January 25, Dela Rosa emphasized the government’s duty to protect national sovereignty and its citizens amid ongoing ICC investigations into Duterte’s controversial war on drugs.

"Failure is Betrayal"

Dela Rosa was unequivocal in his critique, asserting that allowing entities like the ICC and Interpol to undermine Philippine sovereignty would be tantamount to betrayal.

"It is the duty of the government to protect its citizens," he stated. "Kapag iyan ay pababayaan ng ating gobyerno, particularly ng chief executive – that is an impeachable offense. If the government lets our sovereignty be disrespected by entities like Interpol or ICC, that is a failure of duty."

The ICC’s investigation focuses on alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte’s drug war, which resulted in thousands of deaths. Official reports cite over 6,200 fatalities in police operations, but human rights groups argue the number is significantly higher, alleging widespread extrajudicial killings.

A Divided Administration?

Dela Rosa’s comments also addressed recent statements from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who said the government would respond "favorably" if the ICC, through Interpol, issued arrest warrants related to the investigation. This shift toward cooperation starkly contrasts the Duterte administration’s staunch refusal to engage with the ICC.

"You stick to the point that you are not recognizing the jurisdiction of the ICC," Dela Rosa said, criticizing the mixed signals from the Marcos administration. "Interpol is just a messenger. Using it as an excuse to cooperate is unacceptable."

Dela Rosa further lamented what he perceives as a lack of direction within the current government.

"Tila itong gobyerno na ito ay leaderless," he remarked. "Sino ang nagtitimon sa gobyernong ito?"

Justice Secretary's Softer Tone

Adding to the complexity, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla recently suggested a more cooperative stance with the ICC, signaling potential collaboration in certain areas. This softer tone marks a departure from Duterte’s withdrawal of the Philippines from the ICC in 2019 to avoid scrutiny. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has since declared that while the Philippines does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, he would not interfere if Duterte chose to participate in the proceedings voluntarily.

The Senate’s Role in Protecting Its Own

Dela Rosa also called on Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero to protect him and Senator Bong Go, both of whom are under ICC investigation. He emphasized the Senate's authority to shield its members from foreign intervention while Congress is in session.

"Depende 'yan sa bayag ng aming Senate President kung gaano niya kami protektahan," Dela Rosa said. Escudero previously stated that the arrest of any senator cannot take place in the Senate during active sessions.

International Pressure Mounts

The ICC probe continues to place the Philippines in the global spotlight. A recent report from The Guardian detailed allegations that Duterte’s office paid police $17,000 per suspect killed in the drug war. Meanwhile, The Times revealed Duterte’s admission of maintaining a “death squad of gangsters.” Such revelations add to the mounting international pressure on the Philippines to ensure accountability.

Despite these developments, President Marcos Jr.’s administration has attempted to strike a balance. By signaling limited cooperation with the ICC, it seeks to maintain international credibility without fully yielding to external scrutiny.

A Battle for Sovereignty and Accountability

Senator Dela Rosa’s fiery remarks highlight the delicate balance the Philippines must navigate between safeguarding sovereignty and addressing demands for justice. As international institutions ramp up efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for alleged crimes against humanity, the question remains: How far is the Philippine government willing to go to protect its officials, and at what cost to its global reputation?

For now, the debate rages on, with Dela Rosa’s statements serving as a rallying cry for those who prioritize sovereignty over international cooperation. The evolving dynamics between the ICC, Interpol, and the Philippine government will undoubtedly shape the nation’s path forward in the pursuit of justice and accountability.

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