The Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) is set to file a complaint against Senator Robin Padilla and others for allegedly aiding Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in evading authorities.
CIDG Statement on the Complaint
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 27, the CIDG announced that it will refer the complaint to the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829, or obstruction of justice. According to the agency, Padilla’s act of giving Dela Rosa a ride was not a simple “hitch ride” but a “highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver” designed to help Dela Rosa evade detection while escaping the Senate premises in the early morning of May 14.
Investigation Findings
The investigation also revealed that another vehicle tailed Padilla’s car, serving as a security escort and backup during the maneuver. The CIDG emphasized that its complaint is in line with its mandate to investigate crimes and enforce the law fairly and impartially.
The CIDG stressed that when individuals actively interfere with arrests or help criminal offenders escape to avoid prosecution, it undermines the justice system and compromises public order. It also highlighted that any act of obstruction of justice carries criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile, Padilla earlier denied that Dela Rosa was fleeing, claiming that the senator merely asked for a ride out of the Senate after a shooting incident on the night of May 13.
