The Supreme Court did not issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s plea

Instead, the SC directed the government officials to comment on the manifestation within a non-extendible period of 72 hours from receipt.

Likewise, Dela Rosa was directed to file his reply within a non-extendible period of 72 hours from receipt of the respondent’s comment.

SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said the resolution only required the respondents to comment and for the petitioner to file a reply.

“The SC held that this is without prejudice to the Court taking any interim or urgent measures as prayed for by Senator Dela Rosa, should it become necessary,” the briefer said.

Ting clarified that this means the SC may issue a TRO at a later date.

When asked if the absence of a TRO means Dela Rosa may be arrested, Ting said the SC resolution did not cover the matter.

Dela Rosa, on Monday, filed a manifestation for immediate judicial protection and sought guidance on the legal effect of the arrest warrant.

He also reiterated his appeal for the issuance of a temporary restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction prohibiting the arrest or transfer of Dela Rosa to any foreign tribunal without prior judicial authorization.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa for the crime against humanity of murder, at least between July 2016 and the end of April 2018, during which no less than 32 individuals were killed in the Philippines.

Dela Rosa is currently under protective custody of the Senate.

The senator has also appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to surrender him to the Hague, Netherlands.