The Department of Justice (DOJ) has returned a complaint filed against Sen. Robinhood Padilla to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for further investigation, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press briefing, Vida said the investigating prosecutor handling the case requested additional documents and statements from concerned individuals before determining the next course of action.
"A complaint was filed against Senator Robin Padilla. This case was referred back to the CIDG for further investigation pursuant to Department Circular No. 20," Vida said.
The Justice secretary said prosecutors deemed it necessary to obtain more evidence to support the evaluation of the complaint.
Vida declined to discuss the nature of the allegations or other details of the case, citing the ongoing investigation.
"The investigating prosecutor requested further documents and certain statements from concerned individuals. At this stage, it would be premature to comment on the details of this ongoing investigation," he said.
The DOJ did not provide a timetable for the completion of the additional investigation or indicate when prosecutors are expected to decide on the complaint.
Under DOJ procedures, complaints may be referred back to law enforcement agencies when prosecutors determine that additional evidence or clarification is needed before preliminary investigation proceedings can continue.
Last month, the PNP filed a complaint against Padilla and others for supposedly helping Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa escape the Senate building.
However, Padilla denied the claim and explained that Dela Rosa merely hitched a ride out of the area.
