PDP-Laban submits letter urging SC to resolve Duterte, Dela Rosa petitions

Political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Tuesday submitted its open letter to the Supreme Court urging magistrates to resolve pending petitions on the arrest warrants against former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa in connection with their case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to a report by Manny Vargas on Super Radyo dzBB, PDP-Laban spokesperson Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said they filed the open letter to the SC to respectfully present their position and urge the court to act on the pending petitions.

Signed by PDP-Laban acting chairman Alfonso Cusi, the party asserted in its open letter that prolonged delays in coming to a decision could further fuel uncertainty and instability.

PDP-Laban noted that a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Duterte had remained pending before the high tribunal for nearly 600 days.

It also called for the immediate resolution of Dela Rosa's pending motion for reconsideration.

The PDP-Laban, as a "concerned third party," said it would respect and abide with whatever decision the court would hand down, and that it only asks that the tribunal make a ruling.

On March 13, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered respondents to show cause within a non-extendable 24-hour period.

Members of PDP-Laban and Duterte supporters also staged Tuesday a protest action at the Supreme Court in Manila City, calling on the high tribunal to rule on petitions.

Protesters urged the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of the arrest warrants issued by the ICC regarding Duterte's crimes against humanity case.

A phalanx of policemen guarded the perimeter of the Supreme Court premises as the protesters chanted and raised placards bearing messages that justice delayed is justice denied.

Duterte was arrested by Philippine authorities in Pasay City and was handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 11, 2025.

He was flown via a chartered plane to The Hague, where he will be tried for crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody war on drugs while he was mayor of Davao City and President of the Philippines.

The trial is scheduled to begin on November 30, 2026.

Dela Rosa is also wanted by the ICC as he is accused of being a co-perpetrator in the alleged crimes. He has not been seen in public since March.

A P50-million reward is being offered for information that would lead to the senator's arrest. — VDV, GMA News