By: Itchie G. Cabayan
Senator Robin Padilla had been subpoenaed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, in connection with the complaint for obstruction of justice stemming from his role in the escape of Senator Ronaldo ‘Bato’ dela Rosa last May.
After making a surprise appearance at the Senate on May 13, shots were fired in the said building and amid the chaos, Dela Rosa left the premises, on board Padilla’s vehicle.
Aside from Padilla, the DOJ also issued subpoenas against the Senator’s chief of staff, Ret. Col. Jean Alla Yasin Robles,one Virgilio Palaganas Carino, Jr. and four John Does, for violation of Section 1, par. C of the Presidential Decree No. 1829 otherwise known as ‘Obstruction of Apprehension and Prosecution of Criminal Offenders.’
Standing as complainant was the Philippine National Police duly represented by PCapt. Ericson ROC of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s anti-organized crime unit.
They were ordered to appear before the DOJ panel of prosecutors at the DOJ on Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila and submit their counter-affidavits at 2 p.m. on September 25 and October 9, 2026.
It will be recalled that last May 28, a complaint was filed by the PNP-CIDG against Padilla and Robles after they allegedly helped Dela Rosa escape aboard Padilla’s car.
Openly, Padilla had said that Dela Rosa asked for a ride and that he gave in to the request, noting that at that time, no warrant had been issued by any local court against Dela Rosa, who is in hiding as he is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged crimes against humanity and co-respondent of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
