Sen. Robinhood Padilla appeared at the Department of Justice on Friday for a scheduled preliminary investigation into a complaint for obstruction of justice filed against him.
“Nandito tayo para sumunod sa batas,” Padilla said upon arriving at the DOJ premises in Padre Faura, where supporters gathered outside to show their support.
Padilla’s appearance followed a subpoena issued by the DOJ requiring him to answer the complaint and submit his counter-affidavit and supporting evidence. The DOJ had scheduled preliminary investigation hearings for Sept. 25 and Oct. 9.
The complaint stems from allegations that Padilla helped Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa leave the Senate premises on May 14, 2026, as authorities sought to enforce an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
Padilla has acknowledged that Dela Rosa rode in his vehicle but has maintained that Dela Rosa merely asked for a ride. The PNP-CIDG filed the complaint against Padilla and other respondents over the alleged assistance provided to Dela Rosa.
The DOJ previously returned the complaint to the CIDG for further investigation and requested additional documents and statements before the case proceeded to preliminary investigation.
Meanwhile, lawyer Jimmy Bondoc also entered the DOJ premises for a separate preliminary investigation involving another respondent in the same complaint. Bondoc clarified that he was not representing Padilla.
According to Bondoc, his client should not have been included in the complaint because the person was not at the Senate when the incident occurred.
Bondoc did not identify his client. Based on the subpoena, other respondents include Lt. Col. Jean Alla Yasin Robles, retired Chief of Staff Virgilio Palaganas Cariño Jr., and four other individuals.
The preliminary investigation gives the respondents an opportunity to answer the allegations before prosecutors determine whether the complaint warrants further action. The DOJ has emphasized that a subpoena does not constitute a finding of guilt.
