Senator Bato Challenges ICC Arrest Warrant Through Supreme Court
Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has formally requested the Supreme Court to intervene and block a potential arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Through his legal representatives, the senator filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) or writ of preliminary injunction on November 13, 2025.
Legal Motion Details and Specific Requests
In his legal filing described as a "manifestation with reiterative prayer," Dela Rosa's camp made several specific requests to the Supreme Court. The petition seeks to prevent the Philippine government from enforcing, facilitating, or coordinating any ICC warrant, red notice, or surrender request against the senator.
The legal team also asked the court to bar government agencies from providing logistical, financial, or protective assistance to ICC witnesses through programs like the Witness Protection Program. Additionally, they requested restrictions on transmitting any ICC-related communications through diplomatic or law enforcement channels while the case remains pending resolution.
Background and Trigger for the Petition
The legal action was prompted by a public statement from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla during a November 8, 2025 radio broadcast. Remulla reportedly disclosed "on good authority" that the ICC had already issued an arrest warrant against Senator Dela Rosa in connection with his role in the administration's anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa faces allegations of crimes against humanity for his tenure as Philippine National Police chief and as the chief implementer of the controversial drug war from 2016 to 2018. The charges stem from his leadership position during the administration's intensive campaign against illegal drugs.
Government Agencies Respond to Warrant Claims
Multiple government departments have provided statements regarding the alleged ICC warrant. The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed it has not seen or received any copy of such warrant and acknowledged it is considering pending legal petitions before the Supreme Court in its deliberations.
Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan previously outlined two potential options if the ICC issues an arrest warrant: extradition or voluntary surrender. Chan indicated that surrender would be the faster option and noted that the Philippines should comply based on the principle of reciprocity, while carefully weighing legal and diplomatic implications.
Other agencies including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Philippine Embassy in The Hague have similarly reported receiving no warrant or related documents concerning the senator.
Ongoing Legal and Diplomatic Implications
The case continues to develop with significant implications for Philippines-ICC relations and domestic legal proceedings. The Supreme Court's decision on the TRO request could set important precedents for how the country handles international legal actions against its officials.
As the legal battle unfolds, all parties await the Supreme Court's ruling on the temporary restraining order while government agencies maintain they have not officially received any ICC documentation regarding Senator Dela Rosa.
