THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday said it is up to the Justice department to decide whether Sen. Robinhood Padilla could be tagged as an accomplice in the escape of fugitive Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.
“That's up to the SOJ (Secretary of Justice) to determine. They are now gathering the facts. Whatever charges will be filed will be up to the SOJ,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla told Palace reporters in a phone interview.
The official issued the statement after the release of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage which showed Padilla accompanying dela Rosa and an unidentified woman as they boarded his SUV, “proceeded outside unimpeded, and headed towards Makati” in the early morning of May 14, several hours after a shooting incident inside the Senate building the night before.
Padilla on Wednesday defended dela Rosa from criticism surrounding his departure from the Senate complex, saying the senator merely acted out of concern for his safety.
Padilla said the situation at the time was tense and unclear, prompting those inside the building to immediately seek safety as armed personnel from different groups became involved in the confrontation.
The senator also emphasized that dela Rosa was not avoiding responsibility or abandoning the situation, but was responding to what appeared to be a potential threat during the disturbance.
No vote
Meanwhile, a senator who requested anonymity said dela Rosa cannot vote virtually on the passage of Senate bills or other important matters unless the Rules of the Senate are amended.
“He cannot participate virtually [if there is a need to vote]," the senator said in a text message when asked if dela Rosa would be allowed to vote electronically.
The senator said Sen. Rodante Marcoleta raised the matter "but we didn’t tackle [it]." "Under our rules you need one day before considering the amendment. These motions and manifestations were all referred to the Committee on Rules," he said.
The senator clarified that the particular rule if amended refers only to Senate voting and does not affect the impeachment rules.
The Senate on Monday convened as impeachment court to try the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.
