An arrest warrant was said to have been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald Dela Rosa in connection with his alleged role as national police chief during President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remilla said in his radio program at dzRH Saturday that he has it on ''good authority that the ICC has issued a warrant against Senator Bato Dela Rosa.

It could not be confirmed if the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Duterte but Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the court ''might have issued (the arrest warrant) but might not have yet coursed rhe service through the Interpol.''

Bersamin added that the Supreme Court, after the arrest of Duterte, came out ''with a new rule on extradition requiring a prior resort to a court before the person subject to extradition may be brought out of the country.''

Dela Rosa's lawyer, Isabelito Torreon, said in social media if there is an arrest warrant, this has to undergo proper local judicial confirmation consistent with due process and the sovereign rights of the country.

Senate President Tito Sotto said if the warrant is true the Senate cannot allow any senator to be arrested within its premises.

Duterte was arrested by the Philippine National Police last March 11 on the strength of an arrest warrant from the Interpol.

This was in connection with the alleged crimes against humanity when he was president from 2016 to 2022.