Tolentino offers legal help to Dela Rosa in Manila

Senator Francis Tolentino has offered to help fellow Senator Roland “Bato” dela Rosa with legal advice if an arrest warrant is issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Tolentino made this statement during a press conference on March 21, 2025. He mentioned that his line is open for dela Rosa to reach out if needed. In 2023, Tolentino had previously stated he would serve as legal counsel for lawmakers involved in the ICC's investigation into the war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte. However, he noted that dela Rosa has since changed his lawyer to Harry Roque. Despite not being in contact with dela Rosa since the news broke, Tolentino remains willing to help. Dela Rosa was a key figure in the war on drugs as the former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP). He issued a memorandum that formed the basis for this controversial campaign. His actions have led to accusations of crimes against humanity from families of victims of the drug war before the ICC. Recent reports suggest that dela Rosa and another retired police chief, Oscar Albayalde, could soon face arrest warrants from the ICC. The ICC documents mention both names, along with Duterte's, in connection with the investigation into the drug war. There may also be additional police officers implicated, but their details remain unofficial.