The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to evaluate the criminal complaint filed by police against Senator Robin Padilla following allegations linked to the alleged assistance given to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in avoiding arrest.
DOJ Spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed on Friday, May 29, that the complaint submitted by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) was officially received by the department at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28.
“As with any complaint filed before the Department, the same will be evaluated in accordance with established procedures and applicable rules,” Martinez said.
“If the evidence warrants, the matter will be docketed for the conduct of a thorough preliminary investigation to determine whether prima facie evidence exists to charge the respondents in court,” he added.
Under the legal process, Padilla will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations and submit evidence in his defense during the preliminary investigation stage.
After the proceedings, prosecutors will determine whether sufficient basis exists to formally file charges before the courts.
The complaint stemmed from Padilla’s public admission that he helped dela Rosa leave the Senate premises on May 14.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier issued an arrest warrant against dela Rosa after he was identified as a co-perpetrator in the crimes against humanity case connected to the anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Dela Rosa reportedly went into hiding last year amid concerns over a possible arrest, but later resurfaced at the Senate on May 11 to take part in voting related to the chamber’s leadership restructuring.
Despite appearing publicly at the Senate, the senator was able to avoid arrest.