Dela Rosa’s lawyers ask SC to reconsider denial of TRO amid ₱50-million bounty

MANILA — The lawyers of fugitive Senator Ronald dela Rosa renewed their appeal to the Supreme Court to reverse its denial of a Temporary Restraining Order that would prevent law enforcement agencies from arresting him, amid “supervening events,” such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s announcement of a P50-million bounty for his capture.

In a manifestation filed before the High Court on Tuesday, Atty. Israelito Torreon noted that with “dedicated tracker
teams,” a ₱50-million incentive, and an “express directive for swift
action,” the risk of dela Rosa being arrested could materialize before the court resolves the motion for reconsideration.

“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 the manifestation.

On May 20, 2026, the Supreme Court denied a request by dela Rosa—who has a standing International Criminal Court warrant—for a TRO or a Status Quo Ante Order.

On June 1, dela Rosa’s camp filed a motion for reconsideration.

In the manifestation, the law firm stressed that no court has found dela Rosa to be armed and dangerous.

“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 law firm also noted that the bounty has no basis in Philippine law.

“The government’s own reward system confirms that a Philippine warrant is indispensable,” the law firm said.