NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Remulla: ICC Has Issued Arrest Warrant Against Bato Dela Rosa
Photo credit: Bato Dela Rosa
In a bombshell revelation during a live episode of DZRH’s Executive Session, where he serves as co-host, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla made a startling statement — saying he has it “on good authority” that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
Pressed by his co-anchors to confirm if this was indeed true, the Ombudsman replied, “I think so. I would say so. This is a matter of public interest.”
That quick exchange was enough to stir political circles, as Dela Rosa has long been linked to the ICC’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.
But here’s where it gets tricky — the Philippines is no longer part of the ICC after withdrawing from the Rome Statute in 2019. So, how could a warrant even be enforced?
The Ombudsman explained that extradition could still be possible, depending on existing laws and Supreme Court guidelines.
“We’re no longer a member of the ICC, but we still recognize it as a legitimate foreign court,” he said. “If the ICC sends an extradition request, it has to go through the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General. There are clear procedures now.”
He also pointed out that a recent Supreme Court circular lays out how extradition cases like this should be handled — meaning any request must follow due process.
The Ombudsman further cited Republic Act 9051, which allows the country to cooperate with foreign judicial bodies handling cases that can be tried both locally and internationally — especially those under international humanitarian law.
Simply put, while the Philippines isn’t an ICC member anymore, the door isn’t completely closed for cooperation if the legal grounds are there.
As of now, Senator Dela Rosa has yet to issue a statement, but the possibility of an ICC warrant has once again put the spotlight on the controversial anti-drug campaign that continues to divide the nation.
Pressed by his co-anchors to confirm if this was indeed true, the Ombudsman replied, “I think so. I would say so. This is a matter of public interest.”
That quick exchange was enough to stir political circles, as Dela Rosa has long been linked to the ICC’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.
But here’s where it gets tricky — the Philippines is no longer part of the ICC after withdrawing from the Rome Statute in 2019. So, how could a warrant even be enforced?
The Ombudsman explained that extradition could still be possible, depending on existing laws and Supreme Court guidelines.
“We’re no longer a member of the ICC, but we still recognize it as a legitimate foreign court,” he said. “If the ICC sends an extradition request, it has to go through the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General. There are clear procedures now.”
He also pointed out that a recent Supreme Court circular lays out how extradition cases like this should be handled — meaning any request must follow due process.
The Ombudsman further cited Republic Act 9051, which allows the country to cooperate with foreign judicial bodies handling cases that can be tried both locally and internationally — especially those under international humanitarian law.
Simply put, while the Philippines isn’t an ICC member anymore, the door isn’t completely closed for cooperation if the legal grounds are there.
As of now, Senator Dela Rosa has yet to issue a statement, but the possibility of an ICC warrant has once again put the spotlight on the controversial anti-drug campaign that continues to divide the nation.
Nov 8, 2025
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