Malacañang issued a firm reminder on Tuesday that the Senate’s move to grant “protective custody” to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has clear legal limits, noting that parliamentary immunity does not apply to serious criminal charges.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that while lawmakers enjoy certain protections, they are not above the law—especially regarding crimes carrying heavy penalties.
“Mayroon pong tinatawag na privilege para hindi hulihin ang senador habang nasa session kapag siya ay nasa vicinity ng Senado. But alam po natin na ito ay may limitasyon. Kapag po ang isang krimen na nagawa ay may penalty na more than six years, hindi po mag-a-apply itong pribilehiyo na ito.”
The Palace’s statement follows the decision of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano to provide a “sanctuary” for Dela Rosa within the chamber, a move critics warn could spark a constitutional crisis.
Castro emphasized that as lawmakers, the senators must respect the boundaries of their authority.
“Ayaw nating pangunahan ang mga senador but dapat alam nila kung ano ang batas kasi mambabatas sila. Alam nila kung ano ang limitasyon nila, ano lang iyong authority, ano lang iyong power nila, but they should not go beyond the law.”
Despite the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute, Castro pointed to Republic Act No. 9851, which governs crimes against humanity. She noted that Section 17 of the law allows the country to yield jurisdiction to international bodies.
“Ayon sa (batas)… puwede nating i-defer, puwede nating i-waive iyong ating karapatan at ibigay na sa international court ang pagpapaimbestiga.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reportedly been briefed on the ICC warrant. According to Castro, the Chief Executive’s stance remains centered on legal adherence.
“Ang lagi pong utos ng Pangulo sa lahat ng enforcement agencies… dapat lamang ay sumunod kung ano ang sinasabi ng batas.”