By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Amid an air of uncertainty on the heels of a chaotic week of developments within the Senate, the government continues to uphold the rule of law in addition to ensuring that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa will be held accountable for his actions as the former PNP chief under the previous administration.
In a comment filed with the Supreme Court, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) stressed that the Executive Department may execute the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against the erring lawmaker.
The OSG moreover emphasized that the enforcement of ICC’s arrest warrant does not necessitate producing a separate warrant from the Philippine court, in line with the provisions stipulated under Republic Act No. 9851.
Also known as the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity,” this policy outlines the country’s comprehensive response on various inhumane acts committed within its borders while exercising amity with all nations.
As stated in Section 17 of this Act, Philippine authorities may opt to surrender a suspect to an appropriate international court like the ICC, or extradite such to a different nation.
The OSG however clarified the difference between both courses of action, with the enforcement of the ICC warrant not covered by extradition rules.
The People’s Tribune, moreover, remained firm in the position to not grant Senator dela Rosa’s wish to intercept his arrest and surrender to the international tribunal, noting that parliamentary immunity should not be used to shield the former PNP chief from public accountability. (with report from RR Tubice | PTV News)
av
