By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed his confidence on Thursday (23 Nov 2023) that he would successfully navigate the International Criminal Court (ICC) probe into the war on drugs.
Dela Rosa served as the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief during the implementation of the war on drugs under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte which was launched month of July 2016.
“When it’s there, we have no choice but to face it. I will face it. I am very confident that I can overcome it if I am included. After all, I am part of the investigation, right?” he stated in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.
“I will face it without any problem if it pushes through,” Dela Rosa added.
However, he emphasized that he would not cooperate with the ICC if the Philippine government does not cooperate.
“Why would I cooperate? Why would I provide a deposition or submit my counter-affidavit when our government itself refuses to cooperate with them?” Dela Rosa countered.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. previously declared that the Philippines, under his administration, would not cooperate with the ICC’s investigation into the war on drugs.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos stated that it would be a “big shame” if the Philippines were to cooperate with the ICC.
“Think about it – it’s like surrendering our sovereignty. We won’t be a republic anymore, just relying on them. Seriously? Our courts are robust; they even released [former] Senator Leila de Lima. Isn’t that proof that our judicial system is sound and functioning?” she added.
(ai/mnm)
