Lacson says local court order needed before ICC arrestMANILA, Philippines — A domestic court order should precede the implementation of any arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson reminded authorities. In a statement Monday, January 16, Lacson said his position was not meant to sheild his fellow senators, Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go, from charges at the ICC. While no arrest order has been issued or charges filed against them, Lacson stressed the application of domestic laws ahead of these developments. Legal opinions on Duterte's arrest by government authorities in 2025 have been mixed, with some saying that the warrant should have passed through a local court. Dela Rosa has not appeared in public or attended Senate sessions since November 2025, following reports that an ICC arrest warrant may be issued against him.

Source: Philippine Star February 16, 2026 16:11 UTC