Headline
Robin Padilla summoned by DOJ over alleged role in Dela Rosa escape
Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 15, 2026
Photo Courtesy: Robin Padilla/Facebook
PHILIPPINES – Senator Robin Padilla has received a subpoena from the Department of Justice over the investigation into the alleged escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from Senate custody.
The DOJ is looking into Padilla’s possible role in helping Dela Rosa leave the Senate compound while authorities were seeking to arrest him. Padilla had previously acknowledged that Dela Rosa rode in his vehicle but denied helping him evade authorities.
The investigation stems from Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate in May, after he had been placed under Senate protective custody amid efforts to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
The case focuses on whether Padilla or other individuals may have obstructed the implementation of the arrest or assisted Dela Rosa in avoiding authorities. The DOJ had earlier continued examining the complaint after police investigators recommended obstruction charges.
Padilla’s subpoena now puts the senator directly before prosecutors as the DOJ continues building its case over what happened during Dela Rosa’s departure from Senate custody.
