The Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has allowed the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to defend the government in the petition filed by detained former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

In an En Banc session, the high court granted the OSG’s manifestation, which permits the government’s principal law office to act as counsel for the respondents in the petition.

"The SC granted the Manifestation with Entry of Appearance filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), allowing the OSG to resume its role as counsel for the respondents in the case," the statement reads.

The case stems from a petition challenging Duterte’s arrest and the Philippine government’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Earlier in the case, the former solicitor general Menardo Guevarra had requested to be excused from representing the respondents, a request the Court granted in a resolution dated April 2, 2025.

However, on December 1, Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe notified the SC that it would re-enter its role as counsel and requested copies of all related Court issuances.

Duterte is currently detained at the ICC in The Hague, where he is facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.

Meanwhile, the ICC has reportedly issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, as confirmed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on November 8 during DZRH’s Executive Session.