Padilla Ignores Ombudsman Summons in Dela Rosa 'Escape' Probe

Senator Robinhood Padilla has reportedly ignored a summons from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding his alleged involvement in the "escape" of Senator Ronald dela Rosa. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that Padilla "has not said anything about the cases and the summons given to him," noting that the deadline has passed. The complaint stems from an incident on May 11, when National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents attempted to arrest Dela Rosa, who had been in hiding for over six months, armed with an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. Dela Rosa managed to evade arrest and sought "protective custody" from the Senate. He later left the Senate premises with Padilla in the latter's vehicle in the early hours of May 14. A police investigation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group concluded that Dela Rosa's departure with Padilla was not a "mere hitch ride" but "a highly coordinated, preplanned logistical maneuver specifically executed to avoid detection while escaping the Senate premises." The citizen group Tindig Pilipinas filed a complaint accusing Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (who was elected Senate president that day), Padilla, and dismissed Senate Sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca of obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree No. 1829. The group alleges that Cayetano's move to place Dela Rosa under Senate custody, Padilla's act of transporting Dela Rosa away from the Senate, and Aplasca's alleged obstruction of NBI access "appear to have obstructed, impeded, or frustrated the enforcement of legal process and the performance of legal functions." As of Friday, only Cayetano had filed his counter-affidavit. Aplasca requested and was granted an extension. Padilla, who himself had recently questioned a witness about facing cases during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, has yet to respond to inquiries from his staff as of Friday night. The case highlights questions surrounding the enforcement of legal processes and the potential for individuals with political influence to evade the law in the Philippines.