SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, through a petition filed before the Supreme Court (SC) on Nov. 13, 2025, sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the alleged arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The petition follows Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s Nov. 8, 2025, claim that the ICC had issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa.
While the ICC has officially stated it cannot confirm such reports through unofficial channels, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) is still working to verify the information, the Senator has taken preemptive legal action.
The petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with Injunctive Reliefs, jointly filed by Dela Rosa and former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, specifically asks the Supreme Court to:
- Issue a TRO
- Immediately enjoin the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), along with all their subordinates and agents, from enforcing, facilitating, or cooperating with the implementation of any ICC-related warrant, note verbale, or communication against Senator Dela Rosa.
- Stop respondents from extending any form of logistical, financial, or protective assistance to ICC witnesses through the Witness Protection Program (WPP) or any similar office.
- Direct the DOJ and DFA to formally submit, within 72 hours, written certifications under oath confirming or denying whether any ICC-related warrant, note verbale, or communication has been received, transmitted, or processed through official channels.
- Resolve all pending motions for injunctive relief, citing the gravity and immediacy of the constitutional issues involved.
The petitioners argue that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines following the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in March 2019.
They contend that any action by Philippine government officials to cooperate with the ICC, Interpol, or related entities is unconstitutional, violating the nation’s sovereignty.
The petition was submitted to the Supreme Court in Manila on Thursday.
