MANILA — The Supreme Court said it will investigate incidents of disinformation in light of false reports being spread recently in connection with the arrest and transfer of former President  Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court.


The court warned on Monday that it will take necessary measures, including the imposition of proper sanctions on those responsible. 


“These acts of disinformation, including previous false reports on March 11, 2025, alleging that the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order, will be submitted for appropriate action,” SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said.

Last March 11, lawyers Raul Lambino and Israelito Torreon went to the Supreme Court to verify reports that a TRO was issued against the transfer of Duterte to the ICC.

“We also caution against sharing unverified information and encourage the public to verify the authenticity of any statement claiming to be from the Supreme Court before disseminating it,” Ting said.

READ: Duterte fails to get immediate Supreme Court reprieve after arrest

The most recent false report, the SC noted, are social media posts from Facebook accounts under the names “Choose Libungan” and “Bernard Flores Maicon,” sharing a fabricated document dated March 16, 2025.

The document, falsely attributed to the Supreme Court Spokesperson, is entitled “Supreme Court Receives Petition on 16 Million Signatures Calling for President Marcos’ Resignation.”

“We categorically deny the authenticity of this document,” Ting said.

Last Saturday, the SC also issued a statement clarifying the official travel of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo to The Hague, the Netherlands for the signing of the Terms of Reference with the Hague Academy of International Law.

Social media posts referred to the designation of Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen as Acting Chief Justice effective March 12.

The SC clarified that the order to designate Leonen was revoked as Gesmundo decided to remain in the Philippines.