The Supreme Court voted 9-5-1 to deny Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s application for a temporary restraining order against his possible arrest on an International Criminal Court warrant.
The high court released an eight-page decision on Monday night stating that dela Rosa failed to show a clear right that needed protection or an urgent need to prevent irreparable injury. The ruling noted that his urgent manifestation contained unverified reports and allegations.
Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa wrote in a concurring opinion that the court should not rescue a public officer charged with mass murder who is facing the ICC.
Dela Rosa had sought the order after claiming National Bureau of Investigation agents attempted to arrest him on May 11 and entered the Senate on May 13. He served as Philippine National Police chief during the drug war under former president Rodrigo Duterte.
