Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s then-legal counsel, Atty. Salvador Panelo, advised Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to not surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Panelo made the statement on Friday, amidst the possibility of the ICC going after Dela Rosa for the same crimes Duterte is being charged with, concerning the war on drugs. In a forum at San Juan City on Friday, Panelo maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country, as it is no longer part of the Rome Statute.
“Wala ngang jurisdiction eh, illegal, illegal. Lahat ng ginawa ng ICC ay illegal. At ang ginawa ng gobyerno na hindi lamang tinulungan. Ginawa niya yung dapat gawin ng ICC ay lalong naging illegal. At pagkanulo sa isang mamamayan ng ating bansa,” Panelo said.
Dela Rosa had previously stated he was prepared to surrender to the ICC and join the old man (Duterte). However, Dela Rosa is also seeking the help of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and has requested the for the Senate’s protection.
Meanwhile, the report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa indicated that Panelo reacted to Presidential sister and Senator Imee Marcos’ statement regarding Duterte’s arrest.
In an ambush interview, Panelo hummed and sang “Balatkayo lahat ang buhay sa mundo,” referencing a lyric from Anthony Castelo’s song, “Balatkayo.” He then added, “‘Yan ang sagot ko sa kanya. Bolahin mo lelang mo.”
Sen. Marcos previously announced that she will be skipping the administration-led “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign sortie in Tacloban. According to her, this was because she could not accept what happened with Duterte.
