ICC warrant dela rosa

THE LEGAL counsel for former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa filed an “extremely urgent” supplemental manifestation before the Supreme Court, seeking immediate judicial intervention after an attempted arrest inside the Senate premises on May 11, 2026.

The pleading, docketed as GR No. 278747, was filed by the Davao-based Torreon and Partners following what they described as an “alarming intrusion” by agents of the Executive Branch into a coequal constitutional body.

According to the statement issued by the law firm, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents physically attempted to prevent Dela Rosa from entering the Session Hall while the Senate was in session, allegedly causing him injury in the process. 

The defense argued that this action potentially violates Article 145 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the use of force to prevent a member of Congress from attending meetings or casting a vote.

“The danger we have repeatedly brought before the Supreme Court is no longer speculative. It has become real, actual, and immediate,” the statement read.

The incident was further complicated by the appearance of a private citizen and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who reportedly carried what he claimed was a copy of an ICC warrant.

The defense denounced Trillanes’ involvement, noting that as a private citizen, he lacks the legal authority to invoke foreign tribunal processes to deprive a Filipino citizen of liberty.

Central to the petition is the argument that an ICC warrant has no “automatic or self-executing force” within the Philippines. Under the 1987 Constitution, no Filipino may be arrested or surrendered to a foreign tribunal without a valid warrant issued by a Philippine judge upon an independent determination of probable cause.

The Law Firm of Torreon and Partners, headquartered in Bajada, Davao City, is now urging the Supreme Court En Banc to draw a clear constitutional line to prevent “irreversible constitutional injury”. 

They emphasize that the intervention is sought not for one man alone, but to protect the rule of law and the independence of the Senate.

PNP awaits ‘official directive’

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police clarified that no formal orders have been served to their office regarding the arrest warrant issued against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in connection with the deadly war on drugs. 

In a statement released by PNP Chief PGen Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., he said they are maintaining a “wait-and-see” stance. 

“At this time, the PNP has not received any official communication or lawful directive from the appropriate government authorities regarding the matter,” Nartatez stated.

The national police chief emphasized that any international law enforcement action must first pass through the gauntlet of local “due process” and “proper coordination” with Philippine agencies. 

However, the PNP is “prepared to act” should a valid court order eventually be transmitted through official channels.