The Supreme Court (SC) has allowed the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to return as counsel for the government in the petition filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa questioning Duterte’s arrest and the Philippines’ cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a press briefer released Thursday, the SC Public Information Office said the en banc granted the OSG’s Manifestation with Entry of Appearance during its December 3 session.
The petition, docketed as G.R. No. 278747, challenges the legality of Duterte’s arrest and turnover to the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity tied to his administration’s drug war.
The OSG had earlier asked to be excused from representing the respondents, a request granted by the Court in a resolution issued on April 2, 2025.
However, on December 1, the OSG informed the SC that it would again appear as counsel and requested copies of all issuances related to the case.
The Court noted that the OSG’s reinstated participation allows it to resume defending Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and other respondents.
Copies of the pleadings and related documents may be accessed through the Current Cases section of the SC website, according to the spokesperson’s office.