Malacañang on Tuesday reminded law enforcement agencies to strictly follow the law regarding the issue involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and the reported arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently instructed all enforcement agencies to act within the limits of the law in every situation.
Castro said developments related to the issue have already reached the President, but no special directive has been issued by Malacañang regarding the matter.
The Palace official also stressed that the Senate must remain within its legal authority in handling concerns involving Dela Rosa.
Castro made the statement after being asked about the possibility of a constitutional crisis if the Senate would allegedly serve as a “sanctuary” for the senator.
She said senators, as lawmakers, are aware of the limitations of their authority and should not go beyond what is allowed under the law.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier warned that a constitutional crisis could arise if the Senate blocks the possible arrest of Dela Rosa.
The issue surfaced following reports of an alleged ICC warrant connected to the previous administration’s war on drugs campaign.
Dela Rosa recently reappeared at the Senate after a lengthy absence amid reports surrounding the alleged ICC warrant.
The former Philippine National Police chief served as one of the leading figures in the anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, which has remained under international scrutiny due to alleged human rights violations tied to the crackdown.
