MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla declared on Saturday, September 26, that the prospect of imprisonment over an obstruction of justice charge does not scare him, framing potential jail time as an opportunity to deepen his spiritual faith.
In a livestream broadcast a day after appearing before the Department of Justice (DOJ), the lawmaker expressed readiness to accept whatever outcome the legal process brings.
“Kung ito po ay matutuloy talaga tayo sa kulungan, alhamdulillah. Hindi po natin kinakatakutan yan,” Padilla said.
He described possible incarceration as a period reserved for reflection and spiritual devotion.
“Ang tingin po natin diyan ay mapapalapit tayo uli sa Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. Magkakaroon po tayo ng oras para magbasa, magsagawa ng mga non-obligatory prayer,” he added.
Maintaining his innocence, Padilla stated that he remains unaware of any legal breach on his part.
“Hindi ko po alam kung saan ako talaga nagkamali,” he said.
The senator voiced appreciation for the Christian and Muslim supporters, political groups, friends, and well-wishers who gathered outside the DOJ during his appearance on Friday, September 25, admitting he was surprised by the crowd. He also praised the Philippine National Police (PNP) for maintaining maximum tolerance during the peaceful gathering.
Padilla’s appearance at the DOJ was for the preliminary investigation into a complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). The allegations stem from claims that Padilla and his co-respondents helped Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa leave the Senate building on May 14 while authorities were attempting to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
While Padilla confirmed that Dela Rosa was inside his vehicle at the time, he denied helping his colleague evade arrest.
No counter-affidavit was submitted during the September 25 hearing, as prosecutors instructed the PNP-CIDG to supply missing documents listed in the complaint’s annexes.
Padilla, alongside his co-respondent and chief of staff, retired Lt. Col. Jean Alla Yasin Robles, committed to addressing the allegations as the proceedings continue.
The DOJ reiterated that the preliminary investigation merely determines if sufficient grounds exist to formally file charges in court and does not establish guilt.