Bato willing to talk to ICC interviewers

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa says he is not bothered about being one of the “suspects” in the drug war case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, and is willing to be interviewed by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Dela Rosa said he is also open to communicating with ICC prosecutors even as he still would not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.

“You (ICC) can interview me anytime. But it doesn’t mean that I’ll bow to their jurisdiction over us. If they want to talk, I will answer their question,” he said in a radio interview yesterday.

Dela Rosa said he just wanted to show “amity” and answer questions without disrespect, and to be treated as a normal person if the ICC interviews him.

The former top cop said he would rather believe in the word of President Marcos than the statement of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who said the Philippine government would not hinder the Interpol from executing its duties if the ICC orders the arrest of certain “suspects” in the country.

“Our President has been saying that he will not cooperate and that he does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC in our country. So who should I believe? Should I believe in Trillanes? Should I believe in Remulla? Or President Marcos?” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview over dwPM.

Dela Rosa noted the pronouncements of Remulla and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV – who had bared that arrest warrants would soon be issued for top policemen involved in the previous administration’s drug war – contradict Marcos’ declaration.

“Well, it’s difficult if the President doesn’t follow what he says; or is our President double talking? Only they know what it really is,” he claimed.

He also admitted that he could not do anything if the government wanted to cooperate with the ICC as he does not have control over what direction the government wants to take.

If in the event the government cooperates with the ICC, he noted that he would feel betrayed as a Filipino as the government is not consistent with its policies.

When asked about his plans, the senator said he had no plans and would leave his fate up to God, adding that he would act on the matter once the ICC releases an official warrant of arrest against him.

“I will cross the bridge when I get there. I don’t have to telegraph my actions. I cannot give you a definite answer as the government has no definite policy on the matter,” he said.