Pasay city: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced its ongoing evaluation of a complaint for obstruction of justice filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against Senator Robinhood Padilla. The complaint arises from Padilla's alleged involvement in aiding the escape of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa from the Senate premises on May 14.

According to Philippines News agency, the PNP's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) lodged the complaint late Thursday afternoon, prompting the DOJ's response. DOJ spokesperson Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo "Polo" Martinez highlighted that the complaint would undergo standard evaluation procedures to determine if a preliminary investigation is warranted.

The incident occurred as Dela Rosa, who had been evading authorities since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest in November of the previous year, managed to elude law enforcement by leaving the Senate building in an SUV reportedly owned by Padilla. The ICC has implicated Dela Rosa as a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity charges linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial anti-drug campaign.

Martinez stated that if the evidence supports the allegations, the DOJ would proceed with a thorough preliminary investigation to assess the presence of prima facie evidence necessary for formal charges. Dela Rosa's involvement in the Duterte administration's war on drugs, during which he served as the initial PNP chief, is central to the charges brought against him.