MANILA — The Senate will convene a caucus to discuss the International Criminal Court (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor’s recent move naming Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as alleged co-perpetrators in killings during the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

In a televised interview, Senator Bam Aquino said the chamber will first address the matter internally while awaiting formal action from the ICC.

“Pag-uusapan po naming yan bukas, magko-caucus yata kami. Pero unang-una hintayin po muna siguro natin yung pormal na deklarasyon ng ICC sa February 23 kung ano ba talaga yung andiyan (We will discuss that tomorrow in a caucus. But first, let us wait for the ICC’s formal declaration on Feb. 23 on what is really there),” Aquino said.

Aquino emphasized that cases involving alleged extrajudicial killings should ideally be handled by Philippine courts, while also respecting the legal process taking place at the ICC.

The confirmation of charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte is set to begin on Feb. 23, with additional hearings scheduled for Feb. 24, 26, and 27.