Robin Padilla Served Subpoena Over Ride Given to Bato Dela Rosa
ROBIN PADILLA – The senator and actor has confirmed that he received a subpoena over an obstruction of justice complaint filed against him.
Padilla announced the development in a Facebook post after receiving the document. The subpoena requires him to respond to the complaint before prosecutors from the National Prosecution Service (NPS).
The complaint was filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP), represented by PCPT Ericson C. Roc of the Anti-Organized Crime Unit under the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-AOCU). It was filed in May following the reported departure of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the Senate in the early hours of May 14, several hours after a shooting incident at the Senate.
Padilla had earlier confirmed that dela Rosa rode in his vehicle while he was leaving the Senate. He said there was nothing wrong with giving the senator a ride because dela Rosa was not a fugitive and had no locally issued arrest warrant at the time.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the complaint had already undergone an initial evaluation. If prosecutors find sufficient basis, the case will proceed to a preliminary investigation, where the respondents can formally answer the allegations and submit evidence.
The DOJ confirmed that subpoenas were served on Padilla and Lt. Col. Jean Alla Yasin Robles at the Senate at around 2:30 p.m. They are required to submit their counter-affidavits and supporting documents on the scheduled hearing dates of September 25 and October 9.
The complaint involves an alleged violation of Presidential Decree 1829, which covers acts that intentionally obstruct, delay, or interfere with the arrest of suspects or the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases.
The subpoena is part of the legal process and does not mean Padilla has been found guilty. He and the other respondents will have the opportunity to present their side and evidence during the preliminary investigation.
