IN A race against time, lawyers of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa filed a “Very Urgent Manifestation” before the Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday, May 14, for immediate injunctive relief.
The petition, docketed as GR No. 278747, asks the High Court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or a Status Quo Ante Order following what the petitioners describe as “supervening events” that have made the need for judicial protection “urgent and irreversible.”
The 117-page manifestation was filed by Atty. Israelito Torreon at approximately 3:50 p.m.
This move follows a May 13 press brief from the Supreme Court En Banc , which required respondents—including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin—to comment on previous motions within a non-extendible period of 72 hours.
While the Court’s initial action was “without prejudice” to take interim measures, the petitioners are now reiterating their plea for the Court to act immediately to prevent “irreversible” consequences.
Shortly after the filing, Torreon took to social media to appeal for public support.
Using a deeply personal and religious tone, the Davao-based lawyer called on supporters to “storm the heavens” with prayers ( duas ).
“Let us storm the heavens with duas that our prayers… will be granted. Insha Allah, Insha Allah, Insha Allah,” Torreon posted on Facebook, reflecting the high stakes of the case.
The Supreme Court has yet to issue a ruling on the prayer for a TRO. e Senator.
No new subpoena
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group denied reports of a new subpoena issued against the lawmaker.
In an official statement signed by MGen Robert AA Morico II, the CIDG clarified that no new directive or enforcement timeline has been authorized following the recall of a previous subpoena.
The group described the circulating reports as “unverified information” that compromises “institutional relationships.”
This clarification from the CIDG comes as Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that Senator Dela Rosa is no longer under the custody of the Senate .
During a press conference with national media on Thursday afternoon, Cayetano shared a personal update on the matter, reading a text message from the Senator’s wife.
In the message, she expressed her gratitude to the Senate leadership for the support provided to their family during the period of custody.
