Sen. Robin Padilla’s refusal to disclose the whereabouts of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has prompted online users to call the attention of authorities over possible obstruction of justice concerns, amid ongoing scrutiny over Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate last month.
Padilla made the remark on Wednesday, June 10, after attending the wake of Ateneo basketball recruit Rene Baterbonia, when he was asked about Dela Rosa’s whereabouts. The senator said he would not disclose the information even if he knew it.
“Kahit alam ko, hindi ko sasabihin sa’yo,” he said.
READ: ‘Di ko sasabihin’: Padilla won’t say where Bato dela Rosa is
Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with its investigation into killings linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Obstruction concerns
Padilla’s statement drew reactions on social media, with some online users questioning whether it could have legal implications and urging authorities to take notice.
Several Reddit users described the remark as potentially amounting to obstruction of justice.
“Sa statement nyang yan, pwede na sya makulong ulit eh. Tskk,” a Reddit user wrote.
“Isnt this obstruction of justice?” another asked.
Others were more direct in their reactions.
“Ahh, admission of Obstruction of Justice, oh,” a Reddit user commented.
“Straight up obstruction,” one said.
“Harboring a fugitive ang tawag diyan!!!” another commented.
“Obstruction of justice is waving,” a Reddit user reacted.
Dela Rosa’s departure from Senate
The remarks come weeks after Dela Rosa surfaced in the Senate on May 11 during the session that led to a leadership change, with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano installed as Senate president, replacing Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
READ: ‘Straight from the horse’s mouth’: Bato on Cayetano’s role in Senate return, leadership vote
Two days later, on May 13, Dela Rosa was able to leave the Senate premises despite the presence of law enforcement efforts linked to the ICC warrant, hours after a shooting incident. He was later seen riding in a vehicle used by Padilla, according to earlier reports, triggering questions about the circumstances of his departure.
READ: 1999 action film of Padilla edited in reference to Bato’s Senate getaway | Dela Rosa wanted by ICC no longer at Senate, Cayetano says
Continuing scrutiny and calls for probe
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group earlier recommended the filing of obstruction of justice complaints against Padilla and others in connection with Dela Rosa’s departure.
The Department of Justice has also been examining possible liabilities arising from the incident.
Padilla has previously denied helping Dela Rosa evade authorities.
Dela Rosa remains the subject of ICC proceedings related to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
—Rosette Adel