Obstruction raps to be filed vs. Senator Padilla, others over Senator Dela Rosa’s ‘escape’

The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) said it will refer a complaint for obstruction of justice to the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Senator Robinhood Padilla and several other individuals.

The complaint focuses on those who allegedly facilitated the "escape" of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa from the Senate premises during the early hours of May 14.

According to a statement from the CIDG, a thorough investigation has concluded that the transport of Dela Rosa was not a mere hitch ride in Padilla’s car.

Instead, it was a “highly coordinated, pre-planned logistical maneuver” specifically executed to avoid detection during the escape, the CIDG claimed.

A Philippine News Agency (PNA) report noted that the CIDG investigation revealed that another vehicle was tailing Padilla's car. This second vehicle allegedly served as a security escort and backup during the maneuver.

“When individuals actively interfere in the arrest or assist in the evasion of criminal offenders to avoid prosecution, it undermines the justice system and compromises public order,” the CIDG said in its statement.

Dela Rosa served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018 under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

On May 21, 2026, the DOJ said the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for Dela Rosa is enforceable and that law enforcers have been tasked to arrest the senator.

READ: DOJ: Senator Bato dela Rosa a fugitive who must face ICC charges

A week earlier, on May 14, Dela Rosa was under Senate protective custody until he left the Senate premises at approximately 2:30 a.m.

The PNA report sai Dela Rosa was seen leaving the Senate premises in a white Toyota Fortuner allegedly owned by Padilla.

Padilla maintains that Dela Rosa simply hitched a ride in his vehicle and was dropped off in Makati City without further inquiry into his destination.

Padilla disputed claims that they "escaped" the Senate, noting the significant presence of law enforcement in the area at that time.

-Paraluman News