Makabayan lawmakers have filed a House resolution urging the House of Representatives to call on Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges linked to the war on drugs, which they say is aimed at securing justice for victims.
In House Resolution 1022, the lawmakers stated: “Therefore, be it resolved… that the House of Representatives urge international fugitive Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Marapon Dela Rosa to surrender himself to the International Criminal Court to face all charges against him in the aim of justice towards all the victims of War on Drugs.”
The resolution also seeks to support ongoing inquiries into a reported shooting incident inside the Senate last Wednesday, May 13.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said the filing underscores that legal obligations remain enforceable despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019.
“Hindi po puwedeng gamitin ang pagkasenador o pagiging opisyal… bilang immunity,” Co said, citing Republic Act 9851 and provisions of the Rome Statute that applied when the Philippines was still a member state.
The ICC last week unsealed an arrest warrant against dela Rosa in connection with crimes against humanity complaints tied to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
Tensions inside the Senate also escalated after gunshots were reported on May 13, following dela Rosa’s claim that authorities were preparing to arrest him.
Reports said dela Rosa later entered the Senate using Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano’s vehicle and left with Sen. Robin Padilla the following day.
Co said lawmakers are also pushing for accountability for all involved, stressing that any obstruction of justice must be addressed if warranted by law.
“Wala pong gusto maging protektor ng wanted fugitive,” Co said, adding that the resolution reflects a shared call from both chambers of Congress for accountability.
Dela Rosa has asked colleagues to “wait” as he pursues legal remedies, following the filing of Senate Resolution 395.
Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña Tinio earlier said: “Senator Bato, sumuko ka na sa ngalan ng hustisya… Samahan mo si dating Pangulong Duterte sa The Hague.”
Lawmakers said they are seeking additional signatories to strengthen the resolution.
