The Supreme Court has dismissed Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's petition to prevent his arrest in connection with the warrant of arrest issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Court Decision
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Supreme Court announced that the en banc, by a vote of 9-5-1, rejected Dela Rosa's request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or status quo ante order. The petition sought to prohibit Philippine government agencies from arresting him based on any ICC warrant, red notice, diffusion from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), or any foreign judicial or quasi-judicial order without a warrant from Philippine courts.
Agencies Named in Petition
The government agencies included in Dela Rosa's petition were the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Malacañang Response
Malacañang stated that the ICC arrest warrant against Dela Rosa is valid following the Supreme Court's decision. The Palace said the matter has been turned over to the Department of Justice.
CIDG Knowledge of Location
In an interview with reporters, CIDG Director Major General Alexander Morico said they already have information on Dela Rosa's current location.
Previous Arrest Attempt
The NBI attempted but failed to arrest Dela Rosa when he suddenly returned to the Senate on May 11 after six months of absence, in order to serve the ICC arrest warrant. On the same night of Dela Rosa's return to the Senate, the ICC confirmed the confidential unsealing of the arrest warrant against him.
