Senate Leadership Draws the Line: Arrests Off-Limits Inside, But Outside the Senate, the Law Prevails
Sotto: Senate Premises Off-Limits for Arrests
Senate President Vicente Sotto III reaffirmed on Saturday that no senator may be arrested within the Senate, citing the institution’s dignity and courtesy. This comes amid circulating reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a key implementer of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Sotto stated in a Viber message to reporters:
“I am not privy to the warrant being issued. But as I have said in the past and in consultation with some members of the Senate, to preserve the dignity of the Senate, and as a matter of institutional courtesy, we cannot allow any senator to be arrested in the Senate premises. Outside the Senate premises, that’s no longer our concern.”
This principle reflects the long-standing concept of parliamentary privilege, ensuring legislative operations continue uninterrupted while senators remain subject to the law outside the chamber.
Crispin Remulla Confirms ICC Warrant
The news of the alleged warrant stems from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who disclosed in a radio interview that he had “good authority” to confirm the issuance of an ICC arrest warrant against Senator Dela Rosa. This development links Dela Rosa’s alleged legal accountability to international proceedings related to the anti-drug campaign implemented during Duterte’s presidency.
Dela Rosa’s Response: Caution and Assistance Efforts
In the meantime, Senator Dela Rosa has been touring Cebu province to assist victims of Tropical Cyclone Tino through “Operation Tabang,” with aid pooled from Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Bukidnon.
His legal counsel, Israelito Torreon, urged caution in interpreting circulating reports:
“We do not have independent confirmation as to whether or not this information is accurate. We therefore urge the public and media to exercise restraint in sharing or interpreting such reports until verified information is officially released by competent authorities or by the ICC itself.”
Torreon emphasized that any official action must follow local judicial confirmation, due process, and the constitutional rights of the Philippines, reinforcing the rule of law while awaiting formal verification.
Cayetano: Upholding Fairness and Due Process
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano reminded government institutions to adhere strictly to principles of law and due process, citing the Supreme Court’s Rules on Extradition Proceedings:
“The Court has drawn the line clearly: Extradition and all acts of justice must be rooted in law and due process, not in bias or emotion. Opinions change, but principles remain.”
Cayetano emphasized that no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection, calling on Senate leadership to protect both the institution and the integrity of laws, ensuring fairness for all citizens.
Implications: Rule of Law vs. Institutional Privilege
This situation illustrates the balance between institutional privilege and accountability under the law. Senators enjoy protection within the Senate, yet legal responsibility persists outside its premises. The ICC’s involvement underscores the Philippines’ connection to international legal mechanisms, while public trust depends on consistent, transparent application of justice.
Justice Without Bias, Institution Preserved
Senate leadership continues to safeguard its institutional dignity while affirming that the Philippine justice system applies equally to all citizens. Public confidence relies on fair, transparent, and impartial enforcement of the law, both domestically and in cooperation with international bodies like the ICC.
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