Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he is prepared to advise Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue a warrant of arrest for alleged crimes against humanity related to Oplan Tokhang.
“I hope we can talk just to give him some legal advice, hindi para magtago, kundi para how to go about facing criminal charges,” Lacson said.
Lacson, a former PNP chief like dela Rosa, recalled his own experience in 2010 when he went into hiding for over a year after facing double murder charges, before returning in March 2011.
He emphasized that his guidance would be “not for anything but within the bounds of the law and rules ng International Criminal Court.”
Addressing speculation about dela Rosa going into hiding, Lacson joked: “Hindi pa naman siya naka-decide kung magtatago eh. Kung mag-decide siya magtago edi tuturuan ko siya paano magtago. Joke lang. Anyway, that’s for law enforcement authorities to look into. It’s his choice.”
He also noted the unique challenge for dela Rosa if he goes into hiding, as ICC cases are under international jurisdiction, unlike local courts.
“In my case, kasi local courts applicable ‘yung Tuliao vs Miranda. In essence, sinasabi doon even if the respondent is not under the legal jurisdiction of the courts, pwede pa rin mag-file ng mga pleadings,” Lacson explained.
No confirmation has been made yet by the ICC or the Department of Justice regarding Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s claim.