PDP-Laban urges Supreme Court to resolve cases involving Duterte, Dela Rosa over ICC jurisdiction

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 31, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PPD

The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan is urging the Supreme Court to immediately resolve pending cases involving former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa concerning the International Criminal Court’s  jurisdiction and the enforcement of its arrest warrants.

In an open letter dated October 31, signed by acting party chairman Alfonso Cusi, PDP-Laban appealed to the high court to issue a definitive ruling, saying prolonged delays have created uncertainty over the legal questions surrounding the cases.

The party said Duterte’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus has remained pending before the Supreme Court for nearly 600 days. It also called for the resolution of Dela Rosa’s pending motion for reconsideration concerning the possible enforcement of the ICC arrest warrant against him.

PDP-Laban emphasized that it was making the appeal as a concerned third party and was not asking the court to adopt its legal position. Instead, it said it would respect whatever decision the justices reach, whether in favor of the petitioners or the government.

The party also raised concerns that continued uncertainty could lead to confrontations between law enforcement personnel and individuals involved in efforts to enforce the ICC warrant against Dela Rosa.

It warned that conflicting interpretations of the law could put officers, civilians and other people at risk, particularly as the government pursues the senator’s arrest.

The appeal comes as the ICC prepares to begin Duterte’s trial on November 30 over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign.

The Supreme Court has yet to issue a final ruling on the main questions raised in the pending cases. The ICC, meanwhile, confirmed its jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed in the Philippines while the country was still a party to the Rome Statute, covering the period from November 1, 2011, to March 16, 2019.

PDP-Laban said a ruling may not satisfy all parties, but maintained that judicial clarity is necessary to prevent legal disputes from escalating into confrontations.