The Department of Justice has chosen silence.
Amid growing reports that it may be preparing to enforce an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the DOJ declined to confirm or deny any action linked to the International Criminal Court.
In a formal reply to lawyer Israelito Torreon, Dela Rosa’s legal counsel, the department said it could not comment—citing respect for the courts.
A petition related to the issue is already pending before the Supreme Court.
“Consistent with judicial courtesy accorded to all courts, we regret that we cannot issue any advice or guidance on the matter,” the DOJ said.
The letter, dated December 4 and signed by Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan, was later released by Torreon on social media. The DOJ has since verified the document’s authenticity.
But the questions remain.
Torreon had asked whether the DOJ received or processed any communication from the ICC, Interpol, or foreign governments regarding a possible arrest warrant, red notice, or surrender request against the senator.
He also sought clarity on whether such communications—if they exist—were coursed through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
And more importantly, whether the DOJ issued any directive to law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigration, or the Philippine National Police.
There was no answer.
Earlier, on November 8, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla publicly claimed that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.
Since then, the senator has remained noticeably absent.
From November 11 onward, Dela Rosa has not attended any Senate sessions.
The silence—from both the DOJ and the Senate halls—has only deepened the uncertainty.
And for now, the questions hang in the air, unanswered.
