MANILA – The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) has called on Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida to withdraw his statement that Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa could be arrested if he attempts to leave the Philippines.

In a media report, PDP-Laban spokesman Ferdinand Topacio said in a letter addressed to Vida that the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Dela Rosa has no legal effect unless confirmed by a local court.

He also argued that the Department of Justice does not have authority to issue hold departure orders.

“Ang pangalan pa naman ninyo ay Vida, ngunit kayo po ay nagiging kontrabida sa ating mga batas at sa Rule of Law,” Topacio said.

“Kaya naman po ay nararapat kaming mariing humiling sa inyo na inyong bawiin ang mga kabulastugan na sinabi ninyo na nagtatangkang lumabag sa ating Saligang Batas at sa hurispurdensyang umiiral sa ngayon,” he added.

Last week, Vida said Dela Rosa would be arrested if he attempts to leave the country, adding that such an act would be considered a “mockery of justice” in relation to the ICC warrant.

Dela Rosa is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant for “alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator” in crimes against humanity of murder from July 3, 2016, until April 2018, during which at least 32 individuals were reportedly killed.

Topacio also warned that PDP-Laban would hold Vida accountable should the arrest proceed, stressing the party’s continued defense of Dela Rosa’s rights.

“Huwag po ninyong maliitin ang matibay na paghahangad ng PDP na ipagtanggol ang mga karapatan ni Sen. Bato sa lahat ng paraang naaayon sa batas, saan man ito humantong at kahit gaano katagal itong umabot, maging higit pa sa termino ng kasalukuyang administrasyon,” he said.