DOJ summons Padilla over Bato’s escape from Senate

MANILA, Philippines — For helping fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa escape from the Senate in May, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has summoned Sen. Robinhood Padilla over allegations of obstruction of justice.

DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez confirmed that a subpoena was served on Padilla and Lt. Col. Jean Alla Yasin Robles yesterday.

They are required to appear before the DOJ National Prosecution Service on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9 to submit their counter-affidavits.

The DOJ will proceed to a formal preliminary investigation after evaluating the complaint for obstruction of justice, Martinez said.

The complaint was filed by the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group over allegations that Padilla helped Dela Rosa evade arrest.

Dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in relation to the Duterte administration’s drug war.

Padilla had admitted that Dela Rosa hitched a ride on his sport utility vehicle on May 14 following an allegedly staged shooting at the Senate.

Padilla posted a copy of the subpoena on Facebook.

He said he would read the subpoena first before making a comment.

Padilla has denied helping in the escape, saying he was just about to go home when Dela Rosa asked for a lift to Makati.

A separate complaint for obstruction of justice has been filed against Padilla by civic group Tindig Pilipinas before the Office of the Ombudsman. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab