Photo credit: Senate PH

It looks like the clock is ticking for Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa. With former President Rodrigo Duterte already in The Hague, lawmakers believe it’s only a matter of time before the International Criminal Court (ICC) turns its attention to one of the key figures behind the war on drugs.

House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre of the Tingog Party-list didn’t mince words when asked about the possibility of an ICC arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. His response? It’s inevitable.

“Well, he’s part of the respondents of the case, and I think it’s just a matter of time,” Acidre told reporters.

Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union added an interesting twist, saying his “puting ahas” (a term that suggests insider information) believes that more warrants are coming soon.

Bato’s Silence Raises Questions

What’s catching people’s attention, however, is Dela Rosa’s sudden silence. After Duterte’s transfer to The Hague, the senator—who was once vocal about his willingness to face the ICC—has been noticeably absent from the public eye.

Ortega even questioned where he is. “Okay lang ba siya? Kasi kung two days siyang literally missing o walang statements, siguro mas importante kung masagot muna ‘yun kung nasaan siya,” he said.

That’s a fair point—why the radio silence when he’s usually not one to back down from a fight?

Calls for Accountability

Acidre, for his part, urged Dela Rosa to respect the legal process. “Alam mo, mga halal na opisyal, the expectation is double than the usual,” he said, emphasizing that elected officials have a duty to uphold the law.

He also appealed to the senator’s sense of nationalism, saying this is a chance to prove his commitment to justice. “Sana dito makita natin ang kanyang pagtupad sa kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin.”

With mounting pressure and the ICC’s case progressing, the big question remains: Will Bato dela Rosa stand his ground, or is the inevitable finally catching up with him?