DOJ: No resolution yet on Robin Padilla obstruction of justice case

September 11, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday clarified that no resolution has yet been issued on the obstruction of justice case against Senator Robin Padilla in connection with the alleged escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the case is still undergoing preliminary investigation, contrary to an earlier statement by NBI Director Melvin Matibag that the DOJ investigation had been completed and a resolution may already be forthcoming.

“The Obstruction of Justice case involving Sen. Robin Padilla is still currently undergoing preliminary investigation,” Martinez said.

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) had refiled the complaint before the DOJ against individuals allegedly involved in helping Dela Rosa evade arrest.

Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato earlier said the complaint was filed 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.

The complaint stemmed from allegations that Padilla and others helped facilitate Dela Rosa’s alleged escape following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

The DOJ had earlier referred the original complaint back to the CIDG for further investigation after prosecutors sought additional evidence and statements from concerned individuals.#