MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and his lawyers asked the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday to stop the enforcement of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant through emergency petitions, escalating a high-stakes legal battle over jurisdiction, sovereignty, and accountability tied to the country’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa’s legal team confirmed that they filed a supplemental motion before the SC late Monday night seeking a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the possible implementation of an arrest warrant issued by the ICC.
Lawyer Israelito Torreon said the camp continues to challenge the legality of the ICC warrant, maintaining that dela Rosa should only be subjected to Philippine jurisdiction despite mounting international scrutiny surrounding the previous administration’s anti-drug operations.
The legal offensive widened after another counsel, lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, disclosed that dela Rosa’s camp also filed a writ of amparo before the high court to secure additional protection while the senator remains under Senate protective custody.
Bondoc said the petition seeks protection against what the camp described as “imminent threats” to dela Rosa’s liberty and security amid fears of a possible arrest.
The filings came as security tightened inside and outside the Senate complex, where dela Rosa stayed overnight following consultations with his legal team and allies.
Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and chief architect of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, was seen Tuesday morning returning to his office after spending the night at the office of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
Sen. Robin Padilla later visited dela Rosa at the Senate as supporters gathered outside the complex while police maintained heightened security operations.
A brief tension erupted between police officers and supporters after some members of the group questioned authorities for asking them to clear portions of the area during a support activity near the Senate gates.
The PNP clarified that officers merely instructed the group to move aside to prevent obstruction along the roadway and maintain public order.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Anthony (NCR) Aberin personally inspected the area and said about 200 police personnel had been deployed around the Senate perimeter, with additional forces ready if the situation further escalates.
Aberin assured the public that authorities would exercise maximum tolerance but warned that police would immediately arrest individuals who initiate violence or public disturbance.
Torreon also revealed that the camp was validating reports about an alleged aircraft supposedly on standby in case authorities move to arrest dela Rosa, reflecting growing concern within the senator’s camp over possible enforcement actions.
The latest petitions deepen the legal and political confrontation surrounding the ICC investigation and place renewed pressure on Philippine institutions to define the limits of international jurisdiction, state cooperation, and constitutional protections in one of the country’s most contentious human rights controversies.
Written by Vjay Aguilar
Vjay Aguilar is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
