Senate President Francis Escudero stated on Monday that if the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, he will be allowed to remain within the Senate premises until all legal options have been pursued.

Escudero’s statement comes after Dela Rosa expressed his intent to seek protection from the Senate should an arrest warrant be issued against him.

Speaking at a press conference, Escudero pointed to previous instances where senators facing legal troubles took shelter within the Senate, preventing authorities from carrying out arrests.

“Ito’y ibat-ibang sitwasyong kinaharap ng Senado kung saan may kaso laban sa kanila at ang naging pasya ng Senado ay ito: Hindi nakabase sa batas pero nakabase sa tinatawag na institutional courtesy—hindi papayagan ng Senado [na] arestuhin ang sinomang miyembro niya sa loob ng Senado lalo na kung may sesyon,” he explained.

He further assured Dela Rosa that the Senate would uphold his right to due process.

“Ang isang sinabi ko sa kanya, we will try to afford him every opportunity to avail of legal remedies that he is entitled to,” Escudero added.