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DOJ: ICC arrest warrant vs. Dela Rosa unconfirmed

Philippine News Agency

By Benjamin Pulta
November 11, 2025, 4:40 pm

MANILA -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said it has yet to receive the alleged arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

In a press briefing, DOJ officials said reports of the said warrant remains unconfirmed and any discussion on extraditing or surrendering Dela Rosa is just "theoretical."

"At this point in time, the state is seriously studying all options available to it. We are not closing the door on extradition or surrender per se. And until now, we have not seen nor received a copy of this ICC warrant of arrest, " Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan said.

"So lahat "to in the theoretical space pa lang tayo (Everything is still in the theoretical space). What we in the Department of Justice just want to come out in the open and explain that there are two options available to the state under Republic Act No. A 9851. And that is extradition or surrender," he added.

RA 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, provides the government with the legal framework to either extradite or surrender individuals accused of international crimes.

DOJ officials, however, emphasized that no decision has been made should a warrant be received.

Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said they will likely wait for a ruling by the Supreme Court on a petition filed by lawyer Israelito Torreon challenging the proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte when the government implemented a warrant of arrest in March.

"Since the petitioner in that particular case is Senator Bato de la Rosa himself, we find it best that we wait for the resolution of the Supreme Court on the matter," he said.

Meanwhile, Chan said the Philippines is obliged to comply with an international arrest warrant, such as one issued by the ICC, through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

"We live in a world of interconnected countries and nations. So, we belong to an international community of nations. Even if we may not be part of the ICC anymore, there is still that principle of reciprocity that governs between relations among nations, and in fact reciprocity and comity," he said.

"So, while legally, we cannot be compelled, but we are also weighing the diplomatic implications of that," Chan added. (PNA)