Bersamin: No ICC Arrest Warrant Yet for Sen. Bato Dela Rosa
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JULY 20,2025
MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified on Sunday, July 20, that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has not issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
“There is no warrant of arrest from the ICC at this time,” Bersamin stated.
Interpol May Change the Game
Bersamin explained that if the ICC issues a warrant through Interpol, the Philippine government may have to act, just like in Rodrigo Duterte’s case.
“If Interpol gets involved, we’ll do what we did with the former president,” he said.
“The Philippines is still part of Interpol, and we must comply with its protocols.”
No Special Treatment, Says Bersamin
He assured the public that the government will follow consistent rules for anyone facing ICC action.
“We won’t act out of political bias,” he added. “Our decisions will follow legal processes unless the Supreme Court orders otherwise.”
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing multiple petitions related to the country’s obligations to the ICC.
Dela Rosa Remains Silent
As of this writing, Senator Dela Rosa has not issued any statement in response to Bersamin’s remarks.
Bersamin-Dela Rosa Named in ICC Drug War Probe
In March 2025, the ICC identified Dela Rosa as a co-perpetrator in its case against Duterte. The ICC linked him directly to the controversial war on drugs, which he led as PNP chief under Duterte’s presidency.
The Philippine government reported 6,000 deaths under the anti-drug campaign, but human rights organizations claim the number could be as high as 30,000.
Duterte’s Arrest Sparks Legal Storm
Authorities arrested Duterte on March 11, 2025, right after he returned from Hong Kong. The arrest followed an ICC warrant issued via Interpol.
Although the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, it remains a member of Interpol. Bersamin emphasized that this membership obligates the country to honor certain international protocols.
Duterte’s arrest prompted Dela Rosa to file a legal challenge, which is now pending before the Supreme Court. The court will confirm the charges against Duterte on September 23, 2025. NOWTREND
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