The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a subpoena to Senator Robin Padilla over allegations that he shielded a colleague from law enforcement following the issuance of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
A panel of prosecutors ordered Padilla to appear at the DOJ headquarters at 2:00 PM on September 25 and October 9.
During these hearings, the lawmaker is required to submit his formal counter-affidavit along with supporting evidence to address charges of obstructing the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.
The complaint stems from a May 14 incident where Padilla allegedly aided Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in exiting the Senate compound to bypass authorities attempting to enforce an ICC warrant against Dela Rosa.
Padilla publicly acknowledged receiving the legal summons on Tuesday via a brief statement on social media.
”A subpoena has arrived.”
The upcoming DOJ preliminary investigation will determine whether sufficient cause exists to formally file criminal charges against Padilla in court.