Senator Robin Padilla. Photo courtesy of PNA.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun evaluating a complaint filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group against Sen. Robin Padilla and several co-respondents.
Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said the complaint was received late Wednesday afternoon and would go through the agency’s standard screening process.
The filing was linked to Padilla’s alleged role in the supposed escape of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa in the early hours of May 14, shortly after the Senate shooting incident.
Padilla earlier admitted that dela Rosa rode with him as he left the Senate, but insisted there was nothing illegal about the arrangement since no arrest warrant had been issued at the time.
Under DOJ procedures, prosecutors first review the complaint and supporting documents to determine if it merits further action.
If grounds are established, the case will be docketed for preliminary investigation, where respondents will be directed to answer the allegations and submit evidence.
This stage will also determine whether there is sufficient basis to formally charge those involved in court.
The DOJ has yet to release complete details on the complaint or identify all individuals named in the CIDG filing.