Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said the Marcos administration would act “swiftly and legally” on the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Senator Ronald dela Rosa,despite criticism from former Senate President Franklin Drilon over the government’s response.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration remains guided by existing laws, regulations, and established procedures in addressing the issue.
“We understand Sen. Drilon’s point of view, but we take a somewhat different stance because the administration only acts in accordance with the law, regulations, and facts,” Castros said in a statement.
“We stay focused without acting carelessly,” she added.
Castro also said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to listen to calls for justice from families of alleged extrajudicial killing victims.
“Hindi pinipikit ng pangulo ang mga mata niya at nakikinig siya sa mga taong sumisigaw ng hustisya,” Castro said.
[Translation: The President is not turning a blind eye and he is listening to people crying out for justice.]
“Asahan ang mabilis at legal na aksyon ng gobyerno,” she added.
[Translation: Expect swift and legal action from the government.]
Drilon earlier criticized what he described as agencies “passing around authority” on the possible enforcement of the ICC warrant against Dela Rosa.
“It’s a collective failure of leadership,” Drilon said.
Dela Rosa, former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and chief implementer of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity charges.
The Justice Department said law enforcement agencies had been ordered to enforce the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.
Vida said the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation had been tasked to carry out the arrest of Dela Rosa.
