Representative Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list warned that Senator Robin Padilla could face severe legal repercussions for allegedly helping Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa evade Senate protective custody.
The warning follows reports that Padilla drove the vehicle that smuggled Dela Rosa out of the Senate premises early Thursday morning.
Dela Rosa had sought refuge in the building on Monday following the unsealing of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him, but he reportedly fled after the Supreme Court failed to issue a temporary restraining order to block his arrest.
When questioned about the specific liabilities Padilla might face, De Lima, a former justice secretary, did not mince words.
“Obstruction of justice, harboring a criminal fugitive, aiding and abetting a criminal fugitive. Obstruction of justice, yan, malinaw po sa … aking ‘yan.”
De Lima lamented that both the Filipino people and the rule of law are the true losers in Dela Rosa’s sudden escape.
Echoing her sentiments, Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña stated that Dela Rosa’s flight from Senate custody only proves that local systems are being manipulated, justifying why he and former President Rodrigo Duterte must face trial before the international tribunal.
“At yung pinaka-natalo dito sa nangyari na pagpapatakas kay Bato dela Rosa ay ‘yung mga pamilya ng mga namatayan sa EJK.”
“Talagang pinapakita nito na hindi talaga pwede dito sa Pilipinas litisin si Bato at si Duterte at kahit pa si Bong Go. Dapat talaga sa ICC kasi may ganito mga institution that enables them and coddles them.”
Dela Rosa’s brief and dramatic return to the Senate on Monday—following months of absence to avoid arrest—directly led to a leadership shakeup, resulting in the election of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President to replace Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Cendaña added that he would not be surprised if Cayetano himself was the mastermind behind the escape.