MANILA – Lawyer Raul Lambino said the Supreme Court (SC) remains the “last hope” in resolving legal questions surrounding the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid the arrest warrant against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a media report, it said that speaking at the Pandesal Forum, Lambino of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) said conflicting legal opinions on the issues are not beneficial to the country’s democratic processes.

“Each group or side would have their own way of putting up their view, whether or not valid ba ‘yung ICC warrant, etc. etc. I have said my piece about this, I have my own view but this will not conform with the view of the other lawyers,” he said.

“The SC is our last hope to interpret and construct our existing laws or principles in regard to these two important issues,” he added.

Lambino also stressed that lawyers should not be blamed for differing interpretations of the law.

Sen. Dela Rosa is currently the subject of an ICC arrest warrant for alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity of murder covering July 3, 2016, to the end of April 2018, during which at least 32 persons were killed.

Legal experts remain divided on whether a local warrant is required before Philippine authorities can enforce an ICC arrest order, while others argue it is not necessary.

Dela Rosa has filed several supplemental motions before the Supreme Court questioning the implementation of the warrant.

Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte and other individuals have filed petitions seeking to halt impeachment proceedings against her.

The Senate on Monday also began convening as an impeachment court.