DOJ subpoenas Robin Padilla, several others over alleged Bato Dela Rosa escape

September 15, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has subpoenaed Sen. Robin Padilla and several others over allegations that they helped facilitate the escape of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him.

This as the DOJ has finished its evaluation of the complaint and will now proceed with a formal preliminary investigation into the allegations.

Padilla and the other respondents were ordered to appear before the DOJ panel of prosecutors on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9, 2026, to submit their counter-affidavits and supporting documents.

The complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) accuses Padilla, Lt. Col. Jean Alia Yasin Robles, Virgilio Palaganas Carino Jr. and four John Does of obstruction of apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.

The complaint stemmed from allegations that the respondents helped Dela Rosa evade arrest after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant in connection with the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

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

Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato earlier said the case 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 had also confirmed that the complaint was returned to the CIDG under the same procedure.

With subpoenas now issued, Padilla and the other respondents will be given an opportunity to answer the allegations as the DOJ begins the formal preliminary investigation.#