recent news report revealed that Senate President Francis Escudero noted that the Senate could grant sanctuary to Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant for his arrest. Providing sanctuary would raise serious concerns about the priorities of the Philippine Senate and its commitment to justice.

Dela Rosa, who served as the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, played a central role in Duterte’s infamous war on drugs. The campaign, which promised to eradicate illegal drugs from Philippine society, quickly became synonymous with violence, impunity, and human rights abuses. Thousands of suspected drug offenders—many from poor communities—were killed in police operations and vigilante-style executions, with little regard for due process. Families were left grieving, and the culture of fear and lawlessness spread, all under the guise of crime control.

The ICC’s interest in the Philippine drug war stems from credible allegations that crimes against humanity were committed during this period. Extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and systemic police abuses have been widely documented by both local and international human rights organizations. The lack of genuine accountability within the Philippine justice system has pushed victims’ families and advocacy groups to seek justice through international mechanisms such as the ICC.

Given this context, any suggestion that the Senate might shield Dela Rosa from arrest is deeply troubling. It sets a dangerous precedent, portraying the Senate as an institution more concerned with protecting its own members than ensuring justice for ordinary Filipinos. It reinforces the perception that those in power operate under a different set of rules—one where they can evade accountability while the poor bear the brunt of the law’s harshest punishments.

Furthermore, if the Senate were to obstruct justice by preventing Dela Rosa’s arrest, it would undermine the country’s legal and moral standing in the international community. The Philippines, as a signatory to international human rights treaties, has a duty to uphold the rule of law and cooperate with global institutions tasked with investigating grave crimes. Refusing to do so would not only damage the country's credibility but also signal to future leaders that abuses of power can be committed with impunity.

Dela Rosa, as the chief implementer of Duterte’s drug war, must face the consequences of his actions. If he believes he is innocent, he should welcome the opportunity to defend himself in a fair trial, rather than seeking refuge in political alliances. The same principle applies to those senators who are now signaling their willingness to shield him—they must decide whether their duty lies with their colleagues or with the Filipino people, who deserve justice for the lives lost in a war that disproportionately targeted the powerless.

At its core, this issue is not just about one man or one case—it is about the broader fight for accountability in a system where too many powerful figures have escaped justice. If the Senate truly serves the interests of the people, it must not stand in the way of legal proceedings against Dela Rosa. Instead, it should ensure that justice takes its proper course, no matter how uncomfortable or politically inconvenient that may be.

The Filipino people have long been told that justice is blind. Now, as the ICC moves forward with its investigation, the country will see whether its own leaders still believe in that principle—or whether they are willing to sacrifice it to protect one of their own.

Published 3/18/2025