Senator Robin Padilla on Friday attended a preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice in Manila and submitted a counter-affidavit in connection with the obstruction of justice case filed against him.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) filed the complaint against Padilla for allegedly helping Senator Ronald Dela Rosa leave the Senate building as the National Bureau of Investigation tried to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest on May 13.
The offense, if convicted, carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to PHP6,000.
Speaking to reporters, Padilla reiterated that he will not urge Dela Rosa to surrender, saying the local courts have not issued a warrant of arrest against his fellow lawmaker.
Padilla said he will continue to attend the preliminary hearings set this month despite the resumption of the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Nov. 9.
The ICC issued a warrant of arrest against Dela Rosa for his alleged role in the deadly campaign against illegal drugs during the administration of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Dela Rosa served as PNP chief (2016 to 2018) under Duterte, who has been detained at the ICC in the Netherlands since March 2025.
Duterte’s trial for multiple counts of murder and attempted murder will begin Nov. 30. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)