The Senate Minority expressed support for Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and urged the government to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue, citing his willingness to answer accusations before Philippine courts.
The bloc acknowledged the administration’s responsibility to maintain law and order and offered to help facilitate discussions with Dela Rosa’s counsel.
“We believe a peaceful resolution that respects our laws and protects lives remains possible,” the minority said.
It appealed for restraint from all parties and welcomed Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s expressed preference for negotiations over an operation that could cost Filipino lives.
“Walang Pilipinong dapat mamatay para lamang mapatunayan ng sinuman ang kanyang punto,” it said.
The minority urged the government to take Dela Rosa’s willingness to face local proceedings as a basis for dialogue, noting that he had also called for peaceful support.
“The Minority is ready to help work out a lawful process through which the allegations can be heard and answered, with fairness to those seeking justice and a full opportunity for him to defend himself,” it said.
The bloc recalled President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier rejection of cooperation with the ICC investigation on sovereignty grounds and the administration’s distinction between cooperation with Interpol and the ICC. It noted that the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, while countries including the United States, China, Russia and India remain outside the treaty.
The senators also raised a hypothetical Philippine visit by a foreign leader subject to an ICC warrant, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying authorities would be expected to carefully examine the applicable laws and procedures before any arrest or surrender.
“Although the legal circumstances differ, Senator Dela Rosa, a Filipino citizen in his own country, deserves no less care in protecting his rights,” the minority said.