DOJ confirms subpoenas served on Robin Padilla, several others

September 15, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that subpoenas were served Tuesday afternoon on Sen. Robin Padilla, Lt. Col. Jean Alia Yasin Robles, and several others at the Senate over a complaint accusing them of violating Presidential Decree 1829, or the law penalizing obstruction of justice.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the subpoenas were served at around 2:30 p.m. at the Senate.

“The Department confirms that subpoenas were served on Sen. Robinhood Padilla and Lt. Col. Jean Alla Yasin Robles at around 2:30 p.m. today at the Senate, in connection with the pending complaint against them for alleged violation of PD 1829 (Obstruction of Justice),” Martinez said.

The subpoenas require Padilla and Robles to appear before the DOJ panel of prosecutors and submit their counter-affidavits and supporting documents on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, 2026.

The case stems from allegations that Padilla and other individuals helped facilitate the escape of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

The DOJ earlier returned the complaint to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for further investigation after prosecutors sought additional evidence and statements from concerned individuals.

Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato previously said the complaint was being handled under DOJ Department Circular No. 20, which provides for coordination and information exchange between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies before a complaint proceeds to preliminary investigation.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida also confirmed earlier that the complaint had been returned to the CIDG under the same procedure.#