Published May 18, 2026 5:03pm + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino on Monday asked Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida to recall his statement that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa will be arrested if he tries to leave the Philippines.In a letter addressed to the secretary, PDP-Laban spokesman Ferdinand Topacio said that the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Dela Rosa has no power if not confirmed by a local court.He also said the Department of Justice has no power 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.(Your name is Vida, but you are now a villain in the country’s laws and Rule of Law.)“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.(That is why it is proper for us to firmly urge you to retract the statements you made that attempt to violate our Constitution and the prevailing jurisprudence.)Last week, Vida said that Dela Rosa will be arrested if he tries to leave, saying the Justice Department will see this as a “mockery of justice” amid the ICC warrant against him.Dela Rosa is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant for “alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator” in the crimes against humanity of murder from July 3, 2016, until the end of April 2018, wherein at least 32 persons died.Topacio also warned that should Dela Rosa be arrested, they will take action to hold Vida accountable.“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.(Do not underestimate the firm determination of the PDP to defend the rights of Sen. Bato in every manner allowed by law, wherever this may lead and no matter how long it takes, even beyond the term of the current administration.)GMA News Online has asked the DOJ for comment and will publish its response once available. –NB, GMA News