(Photo by Ben Pulta)
Senator Robin Padilla appeared before the Department of Justice on Friday, September 25, for the preliminary investigation into an obstruction of justice complaint accusing him of helping Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa evade arrest at the Senate last May.
The hearing lasted about an hour, with prosecutors directing the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to submit additional documents and annexes related to its complaint. Padilla and his co-respondents have yet to file their counter-affidavits.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Padilla declined to discuss the proceedings in detail but said he would abide by the law.
“Whatever the law says, we will follow,” Padilla said.
The complaint stemmed from allegations that Padilla helped dela Rosa leave the Senate compound on May 14 while authorities were seeking to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the former police chief. Padilla has acknowledged that dela Rosa rode in his vehicle but has disputed allegations that he helped him evade arrest.
The DOJ has stressed that the issuance of a subpoena does not amount to a finding of guilt and that the preliminary investigation will determine whether there is sufficient basis to file charges in court.
Supporters of Padilla also gathered outside the DOJ, with Senator Christopher “Bong” Go among those waiting for him at the gates.
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the Duterte administration, is wanted by the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign.
