MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robinhood Padilla is set to face the Department of Justice (DOJ) after receiving a subpoena in connection with the obstruction of justice complaint filed against him by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) over the May 14 departure of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the Senate.
Padilla confirmed Tuesday that he received the subpoena and he would comply with the DOJ’s directive despite his lawyer’s advice that his personal appearance was not necessary.
The DOJ National Prosecution Service ordered Padilla to appear before its panel of prosecutors at the agency’s headquarters in Ermita, Manila at 2 p.m. on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9. He was also directed to submit his counter-affidavit and supporting documents.
Padilla said he and his lawyers were reviewing the case and the documents to be submitted.
“I will comply,” Padilla said, reiterating his position that he did not assist Dela Rosa in evading arrest.
The senator had said that Dela Rosa asked for a ride out of the Senate in the early hours of May 14 and that he agreed to take him to his vehicle's destination. He said he simply escorted Dela Rosa to the vehicle and had no further contact or communication with him.
