The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday that it is evaluating a complaint for obstruction of justice filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against Senator Robinhood Padilla. The complaint stems from Padilla's alleged role in facilitating the early morning escape of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa from the Senate premises on May 14.
Background of the Escape
Dela Rosa, who had been in hiding for months following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November last year, managed to evade law enforcers surrounding the Senate building in Pasay City. He reportedly used an SUV belonging to Padilla to slip past authorities.
DOJ Statement
DOJ spokesperson Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo "Polo" Martinez confirmed that the complaint was received from the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) late Thursday afternoon. "As with any complaint filed before the department, the same will be evaluated in accordance with established procedures and applicable rules," Martinez said. He added that if evidence warrants, the case will be docketed for a preliminary investigation to determine if there is probable cause to charge the respondents in court.
ICC Charges
Dela Rosa has been implicated by the ICC as a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity charges filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte for his administration's deadly war on illegal drugs. Dela Rosa served as the first PNP chief under Duterte from 2016 to 2019.
