DoJ Subpoenas Senator Padilla Over Alleged Role in Dela Rosa's Departure

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has subpoenaed Senator Robinhood C. Padilla, along with six other individuals, over allegations that he assisted Senator Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa in evading authorities after the latter left the Senate compound in May. The complaint, filed by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on May 28, names six other respondents, including Lt. Col. Jean Alia Y. Robles. DoJ spokesman Raphael Niccolo “Polo” L. Martinez confirmed that subpoenas were served on Mr. Padilla and Mr. Robles at the Senate around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. According to the summons, Mr. Padilla is directed to appear before the panel of prosecutors and submit his counter-affidavit on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9. Mr. Padilla had previously stated that he gave Mr. dela Rosa a ride as he departed the Senate in the early hours of May 14. The previous day, authorities had attempted to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant on Mr. dela Rosa, which was followed by a shooting incident. Senator Padilla maintained that Mr. dela Rosa was not a fugitive and that no locally issued arrest warrant was in effect at the time. Senator dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity linked to former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s deadly war on drugs and has been in hiding since leaving the Senate. This development highlights the complex interplay between domestic law enforcement and international judicial bodies. Senator dela Rosa is under scrutiny by the ICC for alleged human rights abuses during the previous administration's anti-drug campaign. The Philippine government has consistently maintained that domestic judicial processes should take precedence and has questioned the ICC's jurisdiction. The issuance of these subpoenas by the DoJ suggests how domestic authorities are navigating this sensitive issue.