Sen. Robin Padilla appeared before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday for the preliminary investigation into an obstruction of justice complaint alleging that he helped Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa evade arrest.
Padilla and his co-respondents have yet to submit their counter-affidavits because the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group still needs to provide additional documents.
The complaint stems from Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate on May 14, when authorities were attempting to serve an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him, with Padilla acknowledging that Dela Rosa rode in his vehicle but disputing that he helped him evade arrest.
The DOJ said the preliminary investigation will determine whether there is sufficient basis to pursue a case in court, and stressed that the subpoena does not constitute a finding of guilt.
The next preliminary investigation hearing is scheduled for November 12, while the complainant has until October 9 to submit additional documents.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 26, 2026
