MANILA — January 14, 2026. The Philippine government has confirmed that it has not yet received any official copy of the reported arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that as of Tuesday, neither the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), nor the Center for Transnational Crimes has received a formal document from the ICC. “As far as I’m concerned, it remains ‘alleged.’ I have not seen a formal copy of a warrant of arrest or request for an arrest from the ICC,” Remulla stated.

Reports of an ICC warrant surfaced after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla claimed that the court had issued one against dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. However, no official confirmation has been made available to Philippine authorities.

Dela Rosa has been absent from Senate sessions since November 2025, fueling speculation about the alleged warrant. His lawyer, Israelito Torreon, previously sought information from the Department of Justice and petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the Ombudsman to release a copy of the supposed warrant, but both requests were denied.

The ICC continues to investigate alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, which saw thousands of suspected drug offenders killed. While the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

As of now, Philippine officials stress that without a verified copy of the warrant, no legal action can be taken. The issue has reignited debates over accountability for the drug war and the country’s relationship with international institutions.

No Warrant, No Show, So Why Can’t He Face the Senate?

If there is no arrest warrant, no legal hold, and no formal request from the International Criminal Court, then the question becomes unavoidable. Why has Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa stayed away from Senate sessions for months?

Attendance is not optional. It is a duty tied to public office, not a favor granted when convenient. Claims of an alleged warrant have created confusion, yet officials themselves say nothing official exists. That uncertainty should remove excuses, not enable absence.

Silence benefits only one side. It weakens accountability and turns speculation into cover. If there is truly no warrant, then there should be no fear of showing up, answering questions, and doing the job voters entrusted.

So why does a senator remain unseen, and why does the state appear comfortable letting that absence stretch on without consequence?