Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson on Saturday said Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go should be given the opportunity to avail themselves of all legal remedies as they face charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Lacson stressed that Philippine courts must be respected in any action that the ICC may take concerning the two senators, who were named as co-perpetrators in the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“I think they should have the chance to avail of all legal options, because our local courts and processes must be respected. If there is an arrest warrant from the ICC or a foreign court, it should go through our local court, which will issue a corresponding order to implement the foreign entity’s arrest warrant,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
He noted that if the ICC or any foreign court issues an arrest warrant, the process must pass through Philippine judicial channels before it can be enforced locally.
Lacson added that the Senate would discuss possible courses of action, including any assistance that may be extended to dela Rosa and Go. He said Senate President Vicente Sotto III may call for a caucus to consult with fellow senators on the matter.
For now, Lacson said it is premature to determine the chamber’s next steps, as the ICC has yet to release a bill of particulars detailing the specific charges and potential penalties facing the two lawmakers.
“The Senate’s lawyers will study possible courses of action to take, given the circumstances,” he said.
He added that any decision to extend assistance would be discussed collectively by the senators.
“We’ll cross the bridge when we get there,” Lacson said.