The Supreme Court has revealed its split decision on Senator Ronald dela Rosa's request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant. Not all justices appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte voted to dismiss the petition.
Vote Breakdown
According to the Court's resolution, five Duterte appointees voted in favor of granting the TRO to Dela Rosa. These are Associate Justices Ramon Paul Hernando, Amy Lazaro-Javier, Henri Jean Paul Inting, Ricardo Rosario, and Antonio Kho Jr.
In contrast, nine Duterte appointees voted to deny the petition: Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, and Associate Justices Rodil V. Zalameda, Samuel H. Gaerlan, Jhosep Y. Lopez, Jose Midas P. Marquez, and Maria Filomena D. Singh.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and Associate Justice Benjamin S. Caguioa, both appointees of the late President Benigno Aquino III, also voted to deny. Associate Justice Raul B. Villanueva, an appointee of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., likewise voted against the TRO.
Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao, a Duterte appointee, was on leave when Dela Rosa filed the motion.
Enforcement Order
Following the denial of the TRO, the Department of Justice has directed the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to enforce the ICC arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. As of now, Dela Rosa has not been arrested nor has he surrendered.
