The Office of the Solicitor General has expressed support for the Supreme Court’s decision to deny the petition of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa seeking to halt the implementation of an International Criminal Court related warrant.
In a statement, the government’s top legal office said the high court’s ruling indicated there was no sufficient basis to grant temporary relief, including a temporary restraining order or similar remedies.
The Supreme Court reached the decision through a 9-5-1 vote, clarifying that the ruling only covered the request for interim measures and did not yet resolve the core legal issues raised in the case.
Officials explained that the denial meant there was no legal obstacle preventing authorities from proceeding with the enforcement of the ICC related action.
The solicitor general’s office earlier opposed the petition, arguing that Dela Rosa failed to meet the requirements needed to justify urgent judicial intervention.
It said the senator was unable to show a clear and undeniable right that needed immediate protection, as well as the existence of an actual or imminent violation.
The office also pointed out that the subpoena cited in the petition had already been withdrawn, weakening claims of urgency and potential harm.
Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police chief and a central figure in the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign, returned to Senate sessions last week after a six-month absence and took part in leadership changes within the chamber. He had also been placed under Senate protective custody and was reportedlt seen leaving the Senate complex following the May 13 gunfire incident, developments that unfolded as scrutiny over his role in the ICC drug war probe continued.