ICC Lawyer Speaks on Sen. Bato dela Rosa’s Absence amid Reported ICC Arrest Warrant
Lawyer Kristina Conti slammed the long absence of Senator Bato dela Rosa from his Senate duties amid a reported arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla claimed that the ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Sen. Bato dela Rosa. The country’s chief graft-buster claimed that he allegedly has a copy of the said ICC arrest warrant in his phone.
Amid the other parties denying the presence of the alleged ICC arrest warrant, Remulla claimed that it allegedly cannot invalidate his claim as they still have yet to receive a copy of the document. Atty. Israelito Torreon, the lawyer of the Senator, said they hope that the Philippine government will upheld the rule of law if the foreign court has indeed issued an arrest warrant against him.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa has always been vocal that he is supposedly the next person that the ICC allegedly wants to arrest and investigate after it has taken former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte under its custody. He was the first chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during Duterte’s tenure as president.
Since the Senate session resumed last November 11, Sen. Bato dela Rosa was no show. His lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon, claimed that he is allegedly not hiding and he is still in the Philippines. According to his legal counsel, the Senate might make himself available after the government will clarify its course of actions.
Recently, an ICC assistant to counsel, lawyer Kristina Conti, spoke on Sen. Bato dela Rosa amid his long absence from his Senate duties. Based on a report on GMA News, she stressed that alleged difference between the senator and the ordinary government employees.
“Concerned ako na patapos na ang taon, absent siya. Simpleng government employee ka nga eh, a-absent ka ng tatlong linggo, machu-chugi ka na. Bakit siya kaya pwede na lang hindi pumasok?” the lawyer said.
Atty. Kristina Conti further stressed that Sen. Bato dela Rosa should allegedly remember that he is a senator with duties that he should fulfil. Based on the report, the lawyer claimed that he was not elected just for the Dutertes.
“Ang alalahanin din niya, senador siya at kailangan niyang gampanan ang tungkulin niya. Hindi siya inelect para lang protektahan si Duterte. Inelect siya para protektahan ang bayan,” Conti expressed.
Recently, amid the long absence of Sen. Bato dela Rosa, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian claimed that the senators are allegedly not covered by the “No Work, No Pay” rules.