The Office of the Solicitor General has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s legal actions against an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, labeling him a fugitive from justice.
The Office of the Solicitor General filed its 74- to 83-page comment on May 16, urging the Supreme Court to deny all of dela Rosa’s motions for a restraining order and other relief. The OSG described the senator’s conduct as consistent with that of a fugitive who deliberately evades lawful judicial process.
Dela Rosa resurfaced on May 11 to cast a decisive Senate vote before leaving the premises after a shooting incident on May 13. His whereabouts remain unknown. The OSG argued that the Philippines remains legally bound to cooperate with the ICC under domestic law, citing Republic Act No. 9851.
State lawyers also disputed claims that a local court warrant is required and maintained that dela Rosa has been afforded due process through his own court filings. The Supreme Court is expected to decide on the temporary restraining order request after reviewing the comments.
