The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has refiled an obstruction of justice complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against individuals allegedly involved in helping Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa evade arrest.
But Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato on Thursday declined to identify the respondents, including whether Senator Robin Padilla remains among those named in the complaint, saying the case is still under evaluation and subpoenas have yet to be issued.
“What I can confirm is that a complaint was filed last Aug. 11,” Dato said during a DOJ press briefing.
He said the complaint, re-filed by the CIDG, is now being evaluated by the DOJ to determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with a preliminary investigation.
“So it would be evaluated whether or not it is sufficient to proceed to preliminary investigation,” Dato said.
Asked what case was filed, he replied: “For obstruction of justice.”
Reporters repeatedly asked whether Padilla, who was named as a “respondent” in the original complaint, was included in the refiled case.
Dato remained noncommittal.
“It’s up for evaluation,” he said.
He said it would be inappropriate for the DOJ to confirm the names of respondents before subpoenas are issued.
“So before confirming or sharing any names, it would be inappropriate for me because no subpoenas have been issued yet,” Dato said.
Asked about the earlier complaint specifically naming Padilla, Dato again said the matter remains under evaluation.
“It’s up for evaluation,” he said.
Dato said the latest complaint was filed under the mechanism provided by DOJ Department Circular No. 20, which requires coordination and exchanges between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies before a complaint proceeds to preliminary investigation.
“It is within the mechanism of Department Circular No. 20,” Dato said.
He explained that there had been an exchange of information between the DOJ and the law enforcement agency before they reached an assessment that there might be sufficient basis to proceed with a preliminary investigation.
However, Dato stressed that the DOJ has yet to issue subpoenas and does not want to prematurely identify anyone as a respondent.
“But until when or at all, any subpoenas will be issued, it would be inappropriate for me to announce it in a media briefing,” he said.
“We don’t want to jump the gun on any respondent if at all,” Dato added.
Asked whether additional names had been included in the refiled complaint, Dato said he was not aware of any.
“I’m not aware, but what has been relayed to me and I can confirm is that a complaint was filed last Aug. 11,” he said.
The complaint stems from allegations that Padilla and several others helped facilitate the alleged escape of Dela Rosa 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.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida previously confirmed that the complaint had been returned to the CIDG under Department Circular No. 20.
The latest filing now awaits DOJ evaluation to determine whether it has sufficient basis to proceed to a formal preliminary investigation.#