Dela Rosa Urges US Sanctions Over Extradition Flight
Filipino senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has called on the United States to impose sanctions on the unnamed owner of a G550 that was chartered for the extradition of former President Ricardo Duterte to the Netherlands. The move comes after a warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court for Duterte’s arrest, and the controversial flight has raised numerous questions about international cooperation, accountability, and the application of executive orders. Dela Rosa, known for his tenure as head of the Filipino police under the Duterte administration, expressed his view that the US government must take decisive action against those who facilitate such controversial operations.
In his remarks, the senator suggested that it might be the moral obligation of the foreign relations panel to relay their findings to US President Trump. He argued that if the owner of the Gulfstream aircraft holds assets in America, then they should be subject to the executive order signed by Trump in February 2025. That executive order specifically sanctions the International Criminal Court, a move that the senator believes invalidates any cooperation with the tribunal. Dela Rosa’s comments underscore his belief that the use of the G550 for extradition purposes not only contravenes international law but also undermines the spirit of the executive order meant to counter the ICC’s jurisdiction.
The G550 in question, identified as RP-C5219 with manufacturer’s serial number 5219, is a 16-year-old aircraft that was registered in the Philippines in April 2024. Unlike commercial aircraft, it is operated privately and is not assigned to any air operator’s certificate, which adds another layer of complexity to its use. The aircraft, which has now been inactive since March 30, 2025, is currently parked at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This particular jet was instrumental in transporting former President Duterte after his arrest, carrying him from Manila via Dubai World Central to Rotterdam on March 11-12, 2025. The details of that flight have become a focal point in the ongoing debate about the proper handling of high-profile extraditions and the international obligations that come with them.
Senator dela Rosa, who is himself under investigation by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity during the so-called war on drugs, has not shied away from addressing the broader implications of the flight. He contends that any form of cooperation with the ICC is rendered invalid by Trump’s executive order. His stance is aimed at drawing attention to what he perceives as a double standard in international law enforcement, where some nations are held to different standards than others. This criticism is directed not only at the airlines and private operators involved but also at the broader international community, which must reconcile its legal commitments with political realities.
The senator’s call for sanctions reflects a growing sentiment among certain political figures who view the ICC as overreaching and believe that adherence to national executive orders should take precedence over international mandates. As the debate continues, the case of the G550 and its role in the extradition process is likely to remain a contentious issue. Observers note that the outcome of this dispute could have significant ramifications for international aviation, extradition protocols, and the enforcement of executive orders against global legal institutions.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com