The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday vowed to remain impartial in the obstruction of justice case against Sen. Robin Padilla and several others, saying the complaint will be resolved based on evidence and the law “regardless of the personalities involved.”
Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said a panel of prosecutors has issued subpoenas to Padilla and other respondents in the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for alleged violation of Presidential Decree 1829, or the law penalizing obstruction of the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.
“As with every case before the Department, this matter will be resolved strictly on the evidence and the law, without fear or favor, regardless of the position of any party,” Dato said during a press conference.
The subpoenas, issued Sept. 11, direct the respondents to submit their counter-affidavits and supporting evidence and appear before the panel on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. at the DOJ.
The respondents are Padilla, Lt. Col. Gene Aliyah Wyrofles, Rahim Yopi, Kareem Eugenio and Ford Jandos.
Dato stressed that the issuance of subpoenas is not a finding of guilt as the case remains at the preliminary investigation stage.
He said respondents would be given full opportunity to answer the allegations before prosecutors determine whether there is a prima facie case.
Failure to appear would be considered a waiver of the respondents’ right to present a defense, and the case would then be resolved based on the evidence on record.
The complaint stemmed from allegations that Padilla and others 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-drug campaign.#