Padilla’s obstruction case probe reset; his camp seeks complaint, other documents

September 25, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The preliminary investigation into the obstruction of justice complaint against Sen. Robin Padilla was reset to another date as his camp sought copies of the complaint and other documents, while the complainant, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), still has several submissions to make.

Lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, counsel for another respondent in the case, said no counter-affidavit has yet been filed because Friday’s proceedings were still focused on preliminary matters.

“Hindi pa po kami nagsa-submit ng counter-affidavit dahil hearing pa lang po ito for preliminary matters,” Bondoc said.

He said Padilla’s camp and the other respondents were still seeking clarification on the documents submitted by the complainant.

“May mga nililinaw lang po dahil meron pang submissions na kulang po from the other side,” Bondoc said.

Bondoc also confirmed that they had not yet submitted their counter-affidavits.

“Wala pa po,” he said, saying that they were in the process of obtaining a copy of the complaint and other documents.

“Basta, simply put, may kulang pa from their end,” Bondoc said.

The complaint stemmed from allegations that Padilla and other respondents 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.