The Palace reiterated on Friday that the government would follow the same process if another arrest warrant were issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), such as for Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, stressing that the implementation of warrants cannot be selective.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro stated that the government would cooperate if the ICC arrest warrant is routed through Interpol.
"Hindi po tayo puwedeng mamili, wala pong puwedeng special treatment. So, kung mangyayari po ito sa iba pang mga suspects na may warrant of arrest, basta valid po iyong warrant of arrest, at ito ay nai-course through the Interpol, gagawin pa rin po natin kung ano po iyong dapat gawin ng gobyerno," Castro explained.
Meanwhile, Castro mentioned that she was unaware of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s response to Senator Dela Rosa’s request for protection.
Dela Rosa earlier stated that he had spoken with Senate President Escudero, requesting protection if an ICC arrest warrant is issued against him.
"Abogado naman po si Senate President, alam naman po niya kung ito ay valid at puwede niya pong ikumpirma kung valid ang warrant of arrest," said Castro.
"Hindi naman po niya siguro ikakanlong at itatago ang masasabing suspect sa isang international criminal court," she added.
On March 11, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by authorities pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the ICC and was subsequently transferred to The Hague in the Netherlands.
He is facing charges of crimes against humanity, allegedly committed in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.
Known as a close ally of Duterte, Dela Rosa also served as the country's top cop under the previous administration, overseeing the implementation of the controversial anti-illegal drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of reported deaths.
Dela Rosa’s sentiments
In a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in support of the former president, Dela Rosa expressed his deep frustration, mentioning that it is the country's police officers who escorted Duterte onto the plane for his transfer.
"Palaging sinasabi ni President Marcos, ‘Hindi namin nire-recognize ang ICC kasi hindi na tayo miyembro. Hindi kami nagko-cooperate sa ICC.’ Anong ginawang rason ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos? INTERPOL!" said Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa dismissed the Palace’s justification as "bullshit," pointing out that the decision to work with Interpol ultimately rests with the current administration.
Previously, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the country is obligated to assist Interpol due to its commitments to the organization.
He added that if the Philippines fails to fulfill this obligation, Interpol may no longer assist in cases involving Filipino fugitives abroad.
