The International Criminal Court (I.C.C.) has given prosecutors permission to use a previously recorded statement from a witness in the murder and crimes against humanity trial of Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (F.P.R.R.D.). In a ruling released on Oct. 2, Trial Chamber III agreed to the prosecution’s request to submit the written testimony of a…
D.O.J. Confirms ICC Arrest Warrant vs dela Rosa, No Manhunt Ordered
Photo via One TV, Sprectum News
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that the Philippines has already received the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.) warrant of arrest against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, May 15.
“I do confirm that there is a valid I.C.C. arrest warrant and a pending request from I.C.C. to serve the same has been duly received by the Philippines,” he said.
However, he stopped short of ordering a manhunt, explaining that the D.O.J. is respecting both the Senate’s decision to place Sen. dela Rosa under protective custody and the Supreme Court’s authority over the pending petitions related to the case.
“There’s no order for manhunt. So basically the arrest is conditional,” he said.
Sec. Vida added that the department expects the Senate to turn over Sen. Dela Rosa to authorities once all legal issues concerning his arrest have been settled.
Sec. Vida also revealed that the D.O.J. has already coordinated with the Office of the Solicitor General (O.S.G.), which is expected to submit its formal comment on the matter no later than 6:43 p.m. on Saturday.
According to the official, Sen. dela Rosa’s team has been granted another 72 hours to submit their reply to the comments submitted in connection with the case.