From Tough Talk to Seeking Shelter: Is Bato Dela Rosa Running Scared from the ICC?

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Someone is obviously panicking that he's blaming everyone else, even the interviewing members of the media, but himself.

Bato keeps claiming that Philippine law enforcement during Duterte's time was working, yet records would say otherwise. His words all cursing and downplaying even the misery of the families of the victims of EJK.

A few days ago he said he is willing to surrender himself to the ICC, but now there is a report that he is seeking protection in the Senate to prevent his capture.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, once the stalwart enforcer of former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial war on drugs, now finds himself ensnared in a complex web of international scrutiny and domestic political maneuvering. His recent actions and statements paint a portrait of a man grappling with mounting pressures from various fronts.

From Defiance to Seeking Sanctuary

In a notable shift, Senator dela Rosa has sought assurances from Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero regarding protection within the Senate premises should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue a warrant for his arrest. Escudero confirmed that institutional courtesy would be extended, preventing any arrest within the Senate grounds, irrespective of whether Congress is in session. 

This development stands in stark contrast to dela Rosa's earlier declarations. At the "Tanong ng Bayan: GMA Senatorial Face-Off 2025," he dismissed the ICC's legitimacy over the Philippines, asserting that the court's investigations commenced post the country's withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019. He emphasized his willingness to face any court's decision, provided it wasn't a foreign entity. 

Government's Stance on ICC Warrants

The Philippine government's position on cooperating with the ICC has been unequivocal. Malacañang, through Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, reiterated that the administration would enforce any ICC-issued arrest warrant processed via Interpol, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of stature, would receive special treatment. 

Duterte's Admission and Its Implications

Complicating matters further, former President Duterte, during a Senate inquiry in October 2024, admitted to maintaining a "death squad" during his tenure as Davao City mayor. However, he denied authorizing extrajudicial killings during his presidency's nationwide anti-drug campaign, which is currently under ICC investigation for potential crimes against humanity. 

Eroding Bravado Amid Mounting Pressures

Senator dela Rosa's recent actions suggest a departure from his previously unyielding demeanor. His request for sanctuary within the Senate and his criticisms of the ICC indicate a man under significant duress, navigating the intricate intersections of international law, domestic politics, and personal accountability.

As the ICC's investigations progress and domestic debates intensify, the resilience and strategies of those once at the forefront of the Duterte administration's policies are being tested. The unfolding events will undoubtedly shape the Philippines' political landscape and its engagement with international judicial bodies in the years to come.

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