SC clarifies: No ruling yet on Rodrigo Duterte, Bato Dela Rosa main petition

The Supreme Court on Sunday clarified that it has yet to rule on the main petition filed by former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, amid public discussions surrounding the case.

In a statement, the Supreme Court spokesperson said the Court will upload on Monday the opinions relating to the denial of the temporary restraining order (TRO) or status quo ante order in the petition filed by Duterte and Dela Rosa against former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and other respondents.

“The Court will upload the opinions relating to the denial of the temporary restraining order / status quo ante order in G.R. No. 278747, Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. Dela Rosa v. Hon. Lucas Bersamin, et al. tomorrow,” the statement read.

The High Court emphasized, however, that “there is still no decision on the main petition.”

The clarification came amid reports involving remarks made by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen where he was quoted as saying that the Supreme Court was set to release its decision on Duterte and Dela Rosa's main petition.

“So, by the way, Monday lalabas yung aming decision [Sen. Dela Rosa TRO petition]. And you will be, I think, you will see how different our views are. I have a separate opinion, so that you can also take time to read,” he said.

According to the Supreme Court, Leonen’s statements were “taken out of context,” which he made during a meeting with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and Mindanao State University in Marawi City on May 23.

The Court said the meeting mainly focused on Shari’ah law and the responsibilities of lawyers.—MCG, GMA News