SC REJECTS BATO'S BID TO BLOCK GOV'T COOPERATION WITH ICC

The Supreme Court has denied Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and status quo ante order seeking to stop the Philippine government from cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The petition was filed amid concerns over the possible enforcement of ICC actions related to the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, where dela Rosa served as Philippine National Police chief.

In earlier filings, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) urged the High Court to dismiss dela Rosa’s motions, arguing that his position contradicts the rule of law and the country’s legal processes.

The denial means there is currently no Supreme Court order preventing the government from extending cooperation with the ICC while the case remains pending.

The ICC has been conducting an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to anti-drug operations carried out during the Duterte administration.