Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team said Monday it has “no information” on a reported International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Senator Bato dela Rosa.
“I have no information on a supposed arrest warrant for Senator Dela Rosa,” Duterte’s ICC lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said, adding that any additional warrant would “defy prosecutorial logic” since the ICC has yet to resolve an appeal questioning its competence to try Duterte, accused of crimes against humanity.
Duterte’s defense last May argued the court has no jurisdiction as the Philippines withdrew from the ICC.
The claim followed former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s statement on Sunday that a warrant for dela Rosa “is out.”
“Huwag ka pa-kidnap. Insist that you have the right to be brought before a Philippine court first,” Roque said, though he did not disclose his source.
Ombudsman Boying Remulla earlier confirmed that an ICC arrest warrant exists but declined to provide details.
“I can only say it after it is said and done. May mga bagay na hindi puwede sabihin,” he said.
“Mayroon (arrest warrant) pero may mga bagay ako na hindi puwede sabihin.”