DOJ subpoenas Senator Robin Padilla, aide over obstruction complaint linked to Dela Rosa departure

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 16, 2026

Photo courtesy: Senate of the Philippines

The Department of Justice has subpoenaed Senator Robin Padilla and his chief of staff, retired Lt. Col. Jean Alla Yasin Robles, over an obstruction of justice complaint linked to Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate in May.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the subpoenas were served at the Senate at around 2:30 PM on September 15. Padilla and Robles were ordered to appear before a panel of prosecutors on September 25 and October 9 and submit their counter-affidavits and supporting documents.

The complaint, filed by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, accuses Padilla and others of allegedly violating Presidential Decree No. 1829, or the law penalizing obstruction of the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.

The case stems from Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate in the early hours of May 14, shortly after a shooting incident inside the chamber the previous night. Authorities allege Padilla helped Dela Rosa evade arrest by allowing him to leave in his vehicle.

Padilla has acknowledged that Dela Rosa rode in his SUV but has denied helping him escape, saying the senator merely asked for a ride and was dropped off in Makati.

Dela Rosa is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity connected to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign. He served as Philippine National Police chief during the early years of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

The issuance of the subpoenas allows Padilla and Robles to formally answer the allegations as prosecutors determine whether there is sufficient basis to pursue charges in court.