MANILA — A group of five senators has pushed back against proposals to place Senator Ronald Dela Rosa under Senate “protective custody,” maintaining that the chamber has no constitutional power to provide sanctuary from lawful arrest or judicial proceedings.
In Senate Resolution No. 395 filed Tuesday, Senators Francis Pangilinan, Vicente Sotto III, Panfilo Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV urged Dela Rosa to surrender voluntarily to the proper authorities and seek relief through available legal remedies.
The resolution was seen as a response to earlier claims that Senate Resolution No. 44 could justify placing Dela Rosa under the Senate’s protection while he addresses issues connected to ICC-related proceedings.
The lawmakers emphasized that parliamentary immunity granted under the Constitution is limited and does not extend to protecting senators from arrest or other lawful judicial actions.
They also pointed out that existing Senate rules and constitutional provisions do not authorize the institution to grant immunity or serve as a refuge for members facing legal proceedings.
According to the resolution, public officials strengthen democratic institutions by respecting the rule of law and submitting themselves to judicial processes when necessary.
The senators also cited Republic Act 9851, which governs crimes involving international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity, noting that jurisdiction over these cases belongs to designated courts.
Past legal proceedings involving high-profile officials such as Juan Ponce Enrile, Leila de Lima, and Antonio Trillanes IV were likewise mentioned in the measure.
The resolution ultimately reaffirmed the Senate’s adherence to the Constitution and the principle that all public officials must be held equally accountable under the law.
ia/xf
