MANILA — The P50-million bounty on Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and the government’s intensified manhunt have raised fears of a potentially deadly confrontation, prompting his lawyers to urgently seek Supreme Court intervention before authorities arrest him on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a manifestation filed before the high tribunal, Dela Rosa’s legal team warned that the government’s decision to classify the senator as “armed and dangerous,” coupled with the deployment of tracker teams and a substantial financial reward for his capture, could expose him to the risk of lethal force.
Lawyer Israelito Torreon argued that these developments have made judicial intervention increasingly urgent, particularly as the Supreme Court has yet to resolve the senator’s motion for reconsideration seeking protection against arrest.
“Should it occur, the petition would be rendered moot, and any judgment of this Honorable Court would be ineffectual,” the Law Firm of Torreon and Partners said in its filing, referring to the possibility of Dela Rosa’s arrest before the court could act.
The senator’s legal battle stems from the Supreme Court’s May 20, 2026, denial of his petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) or Status Quo Ante Order that would prevent law enforcement authorities from apprehending him.
His lawyers filed a motion for reconsideration on June 1, seeking to reverse the ruling.
The latest manifestation, however, places particular emphasis on the potential dangers arising from the government’s intensified efforts to locate and arrest the senator.
Dela Rosa’s lawyers questioned the authorities’ characterization of their client as “armed and dangerous,” arguing that no court has established that he poses such a threat.
“In law enforcement practice, the designation signals to operating units that armed resistance should be anticipated, which is precisely the setting in which lethal force is most likely to be used,” the law firm said.
The legal team also challenged the legality of the P50-million reward, maintaining that government procedures governing the issuance of bounties require the existence of a Philippine arrest warrant.
“The government’s own reward system confirms that a Philippine warrant is indispensable,” the law firm said.
Dela Rosa is the subject of an outstanding ICC arrest warrant, but his lawyers have raised questions about the legal basis for domestic enforcement measures against him.
They argued that the combination of a substantial bounty, intensified police operations and the senator’s designation as a dangerous individual has created circumstances requiring immediate judicial attention.
The manifestation seeks to persuade the Supreme Court to reconsider its earlier refusal to grant interim protection, with Dela Rosa’s camp warning that his arrest before a final ruling could deprive his pending petition of any practical legal effect.
The Supreme Court has yet to resolve the motion for reconsideration, leaving the senator’s request for judicial protection pending as authorities continue efforts to locate him./PN
