E.S. Lucas Bersamin Speaks on Sen. Bato dela Rosa amid ICC Investigation of Drug War
BATO DELA ROSA – Marcos Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin claimed that the Senator may have a similar fate with former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant.
Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is detained under the custody of the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands for more than 100 days now. The former Chief Executive was arrested last March 11. The Philippine authorities assisted the International Criminal Police Investigation (Interpol).
Duterte is faced with an allegation of crime against humanity for the war on drugs of his administration. Amid his detention, the lawyer of Duterte requested the ICC for the interim release of the former President to an undisclosed country but there are still no updates to the bid.
For several times, Sen. Bato dela Rosa claimed that he is the number two person in the list of individuals that the ICC want to investigate over the Duterte drug war. Vice Pres. Sara Duterte previously claimed that Dela Rosa is allegedly included in the ICC list of personalities who might be arrested.
The former Philippine National Police Chief turned Senator has changed his stance over the matter multiple times. There were instances when he admitted that he would hide and would not allow himself to be arrested while there were also times when he claimed he’s ready to face arrest.
Recently, Pres. Bongbong Marcos’ Executive Secretary, Lucas Bersamin, spoke about Sen. Bato dela Rosa. Based on a report on Inquirer, he claimed that the former PNP Chief-turned-Senator may face a similar fate with the former President if the ICC issues an arrest warrant against him.
Speaking to Kyodo News, Executive Sec. Lucas Bersamin claimed that Dela Rosa will receive “treatment similar to what we did to Duterte” following an arrest warrant issued by the foreign court. Meanwhile, based on the report, he recognized that if there would be a ruling from the Supreme Court, they would heed the call.
“If… there is (an Interpol notice), we proceed. But if the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling that (says) you must afford full due process before you surrender anyone, that’s what we are going to do,” Marcos’ Executive Secretary said.
Based on the report, Bersamin was also asked about his reaction to the interim release bid of former Pres. Duterte. According to the Executive Secretary of Pres. Marcos, the decision depends on the ICC.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa ranked 3rd in the 2025 Senatorial Election and he attributed his victory to Duterte’s arrest. He stressed that his win came with a very high price.