Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero clarified that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has not reached out to the Senate for any documents related to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Escudero stated that neither his office nor the Senate Secretary General had received any such request.
“My office has not received such, as well as the Secretary General. I expect to be informed if any request is made,” he said in an Inquirer.net report.
Escudero’s statement comes after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC on March 11 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon his return from Hong Kong. He is facing allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Meanwhile, Escudero also declared that he would not permit the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa within the Senate premises if the ICC issues a warrant against him.
“I told him that we will try to give him every legal remedy available. In fact, he has already taken steps by joining former President Duterte as a co-petitioner in the Supreme Court, although the high court did not grant them a TRO,” Escudero said.
According to Atty. Kristina Conti, an ICC assistant to counsel, dela Rosa and former police chief Oscar Albayalde could be next in line to face arrest for their roles in the drug war.
