The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has recommended filing charges against Senator Robin Padilla and several other individuals for allegedly assisting Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa in escaping from the Senate while a warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) was pending against him.
CIDG Submits Complaint
In a statement, CIDG Director Major General Robert Morico II said they submitted a complaint against Padilla and others for violation of Presidential Decree 1829 (Obstruction of Justice) to the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
According to Morico, the investigation revealed that Dela Rosa's escape on May 14, 2026, while under the protective custody of the Senate, was a "highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver" to avoid arrest.
He added that another vehicle followed Padilla's car, serving as a security escort and backup car, after they left the Senate complex.
CCTV Footage Shows Departure
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed Dela Rosa, together with Padilla, leaving the Senate in the early morning of May 14, following a shooting incident inside the Senate building that caused panic and tension.
Padilla has previously denied the allegations that he helped Dela Rosa escape the Senate.
"How could we escape? There were many police officers inside and outside the Senate, and there were CCTVs. No one blocked us," Padilla said.
"Senator Bato said, 'I'll join you.' How could I refuse that? Senator Bato had no car because he was only brought to the Senate by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's vehicle," he added.
Padilla Defends Staff
Padilla also defended his Deputy Chief of Staff, retired Colonel Jean Robles, who was linked to Dela Rosa's escape, stating that she was merely performing her official duties as part of his staff.
The former action star also pointed out that no legal order or warrant of arrest was issued by local courts prohibiting anyone from leaving the Senate premises at the time of Dela Rosa's departure.
