No immediate relief from SC on Bato Dela Rosa’s ICC warrant

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday, May 13, did not provide Senator Bato Dela Rosa immediate relief as it withheld a temporary restraining order (TRO) that would have blocked his possible arrest, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The High Court instead directed respondents to file their respective comments within 72 hours of receipt of the SC resolution. This means that a decision on Dela Rosa’s urgent manifestation seeking a TRO to block the warrant for his arrest will not be issued until Friday next week.

The justices will vote on whether or not to grant the TRO request only after receiving a comment and reply from the parties involved.

The SC’s resolution directed administration officials, including the justice department, to reply to Dela Rosa’s urgent manifestation within 72 hours. This excludes weekends.

“The SC held that this is without prejudice to the Court taking any interim or urgent measures as prayed for by Senator Dela Rosa, should it become necessary,” the High Court said.

After Dela Rosa was found criminally liable, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber issued a warrant of arrest against the former Philippine National Police (PNP) who first implemented the drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The ICC warrant said Dela Rosa was allegedly involved in the creation of “a network of perpetrators” responsible for carrying out systematic killings under the war on drugs. Along with his co-perpetrators, Dela Rosa allegedly recruited “individuals they could trust and control.”

In November 2025 — months before the ICC confirmed its warrant — Dela Rosa immediately filed a petition with the High Court seeking to block it. At the time, it was Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla who revealed that an ICC warrant had been issued against the senator, a close ally of Duterte.

Dela Rosa had also asked the SC to order the Marcos administration not to enforce the warrant and to refrain from transmitting any ICC-related communication.

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Bato dela Rosa asks Supreme Court to block his ICC warrant

He had filed a separate petition, where he sought to compel Remulla to submit the supposed ICC warrant. The High Court already junked this challenge in November 2025.

Dela Rosa’s fate lies with the Supreme Court. He has repeatedly said he will continue taking refuge in the Senate until the High Court decides on his petition.

On Wednesday, May 14, Dela Rosa said he will honor any SC decision on his challenge.

“Sabi ko nga, win or lose, ‘pag Supreme Court na nagsabi wala kayo magawa. Sundin natin ‘yan, kung ano’ng sinabi ng Supreme Court (As I said, win or lose, if the Supreme Curt rules, we cannot do anything. We will follow whatever the Supreme Court will say),” said Dela Rosa. – Rappler.com