Former Senate President Franklin Drilon maintained that there is no legal basis for the Senate of the Philippines to place a senator under protective custody.
This comes amid Senator Bato Dela Rosa remaining inside the Senate following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court.
In an interview, Drilon said the institution has no legal authority to shelter dela Rosa.
He stressed that no law grants the Senate the power to place one of its members under protective custody.
Drilon explained that protective custody is intended for individuals under the witness protection program or for state witnesses.
According to him, there is no such concept, particularly within the Senate.
While the practice may have been observed in the past, he said it may only be based on tradition or institutional courtesy, but legally speaking, the Senate does not possess such authority.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Senate of the Philippines)
