SEN. Robinhood Padilla could be among those summoned in the investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) into the disappearance of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said Monday the DOJ will set the direction of the investigation and decide the individuals who will be summoned.
Matibag said Padilla is among the persons of interest who may be asked to shed light on the senator’s last known movements. Padilla admitted that he used his car in bringing dela Rosa out from the Senate and dropping him off on Ayala Avenue in Makati City, where dela Rosa’s own vehicle was waiting.
Matibag said that Padilla has been singled out for questioning. “If there is a clear instruction to us, that is when we will summon those who need to be summoned,” he said.
Matibang said Padilla’s account is considered potentially significant, since he was the last known companion of dela Rosa before the senator went missing.
He urged Padilla to voluntarily cooperate with the DOJ investigations.
Padilla has denied any wrongdoing, saying he did not know what happened after he dropped dela Rosa off and rejecting claims that he helped the senator evade authorities. He also pointed out that there was no arrest warrant at the time.
The NBI cited security footage showing a white Toyota van, reportedly registered under Padilla’s name, leaving the Senate complex around 2:30 a.m. on May 14.
The departure came hours after a shooting incident at the Senate premises, which has been included in the broader investigation.
