SC allows OSG to return as counsel in Duterte, Bato ICC petition

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) was allowed by the Supreme Court (SC) En Banc to retake its role as counsel for government officials in the petition filed by former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa questioning Duterte’s arrest and the Philippines’ cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The SC, in a session held on 3 December 2025, granted the OSG’s Manifestation with Entry of Appearance, permitting the government’s principal law office to once again represent the respondents.

The case stems from a petition filed by Duterte and Dela Rosa opposing the implementation of the arrest order against the former chief executive and challenging the government’s coordination with the ICC, which is investigating alleged crimes committed during the administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Earlier, the OSG withdrew from the case, a request the SC approved in a resolution dated 2 April 2025.

But on 1 December 2025, the OSG notified the Court that it was reentering its appearance as counsel for the respondents and sought copies of all related issuances.