MANILA, Philippines — Newly installed Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano asserted on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, that the Senate will not recognize the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa unless it is reinforced by a domestic court order.
Cayetano’s statement formalizes the chamber’s stance following a chaotic Monday that saw Dela Rosa resurface from a six-month absence to help install the new Senate leadership, only to be chased through the halls by agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
During a press conference, Cayetano emphasized that the Senate is a “nation of laws” and will strictly follow Philippine judicial protocols.
- Recognition of Authority: Cayetano stated that while the Senate acknowledges the ICC’s actions, it will only allow the arrest of a sitting member if the warrant is issued by a Philippine court.
- Due Process: “What we’re saying is, the warrant of arrest should be from a Philippine court,” Cayetano told reporters. He added that Dela Rosa, like any other senator in the past who sought refuge in the chamber, should be allowed to exhaust all legal remedies before surrendering.
- A “Polite” Rejection: The Senate President noted that the chamber would “receive” international warrants for documentation, but would not authorize their execution within Senate premises without local judicial backing.
The leadership change coincided with a security breach that Cayetano used to justify the Senate’s current “protective custody” of Dela Rosa.
- CCTV Investigation: Cayetano ordered the release of CCTV footage showing several individuals—later identified as NBI agents and supporters of former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV—chasing Dela Rosa through the corridors.
- Contempt Citation: The Senate cited nine NBI agents in contempt for their “hot pursuit” inside the building, which Cayetano described as an affront to the institution’s integrity. The agents were later released to NBI custody after a meeting between Cayetano and NBI Director Melvin Matibag.
- Lockdown Status: The Senate remains under a heightened security lockdown. Dela Rosa, seen Tuesday morning in a T-shirt and shorts, confirmed he has no intention of leaving the building, saying, “I’m not leaving.”
Cayetano’s position has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and militant groups.
- The “Bouncer” Critique: Human rights lawyer Dino de Leon argued that the Senate cannot act as a “bouncer” for fugitives. He noted that under Republic Act No. 9851, the Executive branch has the authority to directly surrender individuals to the ICC for crimes against humanity.
- No Immunity: Expert Neri Colmenares clarified that Dela Rosa does not enjoy parliamentary immunity in this case, as the charges (murder) carry a penalty far exceeding the six-year threshold set by the Constitution for such privileges.
- Victim Groups: The fishers’ group Pamalakaya described the Senate’s protection of Dela Rosa as “shameful and disgusting,” calling it a “betrayal of public trust” and the victims of the drug war.
Dela Rosa has filed an urgent manifestation with the Supreme Court, seeking guidance on the legal effect of the ICC warrant and requesting a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). Until the High Court rules or a local court issues a corresponding warrant, the standoff between the Senate and international law enforcement is expected to continue.