Manila: The pronouncement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction over the Philippines should be upheld by the Senate, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said on Tuesday. Dela Rosa made the statement when asked to comment on the suggestion to provide the ICC a copy of the transcript from the first public hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee on the previous administration’s war on drugs. “Giving in to their request is tantamount to recognizing their jurisdiction over us,” he said in a press briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dela Rosa emphasized the need for unity in the country’s foreign policy, asserting that the Senate should align with President Marcos’ stance. “Dapat iisa lang ang ating stand (Our stand should be united) as far as foreign policy is concerned, and we should take the cue from the President since sinabi ng President, being the Chief Architect of our foreign policy, sundin natin yung linya ng Pangulo (since it w
as declared by the President, being the Chief Architect of our foreign policy, we should follow the line of the President),” he explained.

In an earlier interview, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed willingness to provide certified true copies of transcripts to those who request them, provided they offer a valid reason or disclose their intended use. “Hindi naman pwedeng kung sinu-sino lang basta-basta nang walang dahilan at rason (It’s not possible for anyone to just request it without any reason),” Escudero stated.

The hearing, which former president Rodrigo Duterte attended, brought to light admissions under oath regarding accusations against him, including the existence of the ‘Davao Death Squad’ (DDS). Dela Rosa, a former police director of Davao City, was identified as one of its commanders during the session.