CIDG to file obstruction of justice complaint against Robin Padilla, others over Bato Dela Rosa escape
The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will be pursuing a complaint for obstruction of justice against Senator Robin Padilla and several other individuals for their alleged role in Senator Bato Dela Rosa's escape from the Senate building on May 14.
In a statement released early on May 27, PNP-CIDG said it will be referring the complaint for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1829 before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice.
"Following a thorough investigation, the CIDG has officially concluded that the transport of Senator Dela Rosa was not a mere hitch ride on Senator Padilla's car, but a highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver specifically executed to avoid detection while escaping the Senate premises in the dawn of May 14, 2026," CIDG said in its statement.
According to CIDG, another vehicle tailed Padilla's car, allegedly serving as "a security escort and backup car during the maneuver."
In apparent response to PNP-CIDG's preparations, Padilla posted a faith-based message on Facebook.
"Araw ng Eid'l Adhaa dumating ang pagpapala na ito. Maraming salamat po ya Allah!" he wrote. "Maraming salamat po Ya Allah at hindi niyo po pinababayaan na mapalayo sa Inyo."
The Muslim senator added quotes from the Quran saying suffering is always coupled with comfort.
Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.
On May 11, the senator appeared at the Senate after a six-month absence to help oust former Senate President Tito Sotto and replace him with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation were onsite, as well, apparently to serve the warrant, which they were unable to do so after Cayetano placed Dela Rosa under protective Senate custody.
Dela Rosa was supposedly still at the Senate when suspended Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca fired several warning shots inside the building the evening of May 13, supposedly to prevent NBI agents from approaching. However, the Senate secretariat later on confirmed that Dela Rosa left the premises at 2:30 a.m. on May 14.
Padilla has denied he helped Dela Rosa escape.
"Paano kami tatakas? Ang daming pulis sa loob at labas ng Senado. May CCTV pa. Wala namang humarang sa amin," he told reporters.
Padilla said he stayed in the building with Dela Rosa from May 11 until the 14th. Early morning of May 14, Padilla told Dela Rosa he was headed home, to which Dela Rosa supposedly said, "'Sasabay na 'ko.' Alangan namang tanggihan ko 'yun? Walang sasakyan si Senator Bato dahil inihatid lang siya sa Senado ng sasakyan ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano."
Padilla said he dropped off Dela Rosa in Makati, where the latter was picked up by his own vehicle.
