By Tracy Cabrera
MAYPAJO, Caloocan City — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing a complaint against Sen. Robinhood Padilla over his alleged assistance to Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in leaving the Senate amid a police operation at the Senate building on May 13, 2026.
The DOJ said Padilla is facing a complaint under Presidential Decree No. 1629 for allegedly obstructing the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.
The complaint stems from allegations that Padilla helped Dela Rosa, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, leave the Senate during the incident in which police personnel entered the premises amid reports of gunfire.
CCTV footage allegedly showed Padilla with Dela Rosa as they left the Senate building in the early hours of May 14.
Aside from Padilla, the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service is also set to proceed against Lieutenant Colonel Jean Robles and other respondents who may be named in the complaint.
The preliminary investigation has been scheduled for Sept. 25 and Oct. 9.
Padilla has already received the subpoena and was directed to submit supporting evidence to counter the allegations against him.
The DOJ has yet to make a final determination on the respondents’ liability, which will be addressed through the preliminary investigation process.
ia/xf
