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MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robinhood Padilla may see himself in jail again, as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group prepares to file an obstruction of justice complaint against him for allegedly helping Sen. Ronald dela Rosa escape from the Senate premises last May 14.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said they will refer a complaint against Padilla and several other people to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree 1829.
Morico did not respond when asked when they would file the case.
Padilla earlier denied helping Dela Rosa escape, stressing his friend only hitched a ride with him.
He said Dela Rosa asked to be dropped off in Makati, where he was picked up by another vehicle.
However, Morico said the incident was a “highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver specifically executed” to escape without getting detected by thousands of police officers who surrounded the Senate building.
“Furthermore, the investigation revealed that there was another vehicle tailing the car of Sen. Padilla, which served as a security escort and backup car during the maneuver,” Morico said in a statement.
The CIDG chief said Padilla’s actions undermined the justice system and compromised public order as he helped Dela Rosa, who has an outstanding warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court, escape from prosecution.
Bato connections
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday said it will summon personalities who were last seen with, spoke to or had contact with Dela Rosa as authorities intensify efforts to track down the wanted lawmaker.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau wants individuals close to Dela Rosa to help shed light on his whereabouts.
“We are preparing the subpoenas already at the NBI,” he told reporters.
Matibag also warned that people helping the senator evade authorities could face criminal liability.
“We know that aiding and abetting and harboring a fugitive from justice carry corresponding penalties under our laws, and we will not hesitate to use them against anyone found doing so,” he said.
The NBI chief admitted locating Dela Rosa has been difficult due to his background as a former chief of the Philippine National Police.
