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Advocates Philippines
De Lima Says Robin Padilla Could Face Charges Over Bato Escape
Photo credit: Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña
Mamamayang Liberal partylist representative Leila de Lima said Senator Robin Padilla could potentially face criminal charges for allegedly helping Senator Ronald dela Rosa leave Senate custody amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the ICC arrest warrant against the former police chief.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, De Lima said Padilla’s alleged actions may fall under obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive.
“Obstruction of justice, harboring a criminal fugitive, aiding and abetting a criminal fugitive. Obstruction of justice ‘yan, malinaw po sa akin ‘yan,” De Lima said.
The issue erupted after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano reportedly confirmed that Padilla left the Senate premises together with Dela Rosa following the recent gunfire incident inside the Senate building.
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the controversial anti-drug campaign.
De Lima said the biggest loss from Dela Rosa’s reported escape was suffered not by politicians, but by families of victims of extrajudicial killings.
“Ang taong bayan, ‘yung batas, the rule of law, ang talo po dito,” she said.
Meanwhile, Akabayan partylist representative Percival Cendaña said the incident only reinforced concerns that powerful political figures cannot be properly held accountable inside the Philippines.
“At yung pinaka-natalo dito sa nangyari na pagpapatakas kay Bato de la Rosa ay ‘yung mga pamilya ng mga namatayan sa EJK,” Cendaña said.
He argued that the situation strengthens the case for the ICC to handle the proceedings instead of local institutions.
“Talagang pinapakita nito na hindi talaga pwede dito sa Pilipinas litisin si Bato at si Duterte at kahit pa si Bong Go,” he added, referring to Bong Go.
Cendaña also hinted that he would not be surprised if Senate leadership had knowledge of Dela Rosa’s departure from Senate custody.
The controversy further escalated after Senate President Cayetano compared the situation to De Lima’s own arrest in 2017 during the Duterte administration.
De Lima quickly rejected the comparison, insisting that she peacefully surrendered at the time and did not evade authorities.
“Naku, maling-maling ‘yang mga sinasabi ni SP Allan. Ako po ay mapayapa na nag-surrender noon,” she said.
She clarified that she only briefly went home to say goodbye to her family and collect personal belongings before returning to the Senate and eventually surrendering the following day.
“So hindi po totoo yung sinasabi na hindi ako inaresto o hindi ako nag-surrender doon sa Senate premises,” De Lima stressed.
The issue continues to fuel political tensions inside the Senate as questions mount over Dela Rosa’s disappearance from protective custody, the reported shooting incident, and the growing pressure surrounding the ICC case against Duterte-era officials.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, De Lima said Padilla’s alleged actions may fall under obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive.
“Obstruction of justice, harboring a criminal fugitive, aiding and abetting a criminal fugitive. Obstruction of justice ‘yan, malinaw po sa akin ‘yan,” De Lima said.
The issue erupted after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano reportedly confirmed that Padilla left the Senate premises together with Dela Rosa following the recent gunfire incident inside the Senate building.
Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the controversial anti-drug campaign.
De Lima said the biggest loss from Dela Rosa’s reported escape was suffered not by politicians, but by families of victims of extrajudicial killings.
“Ang taong bayan, ‘yung batas, the rule of law, ang talo po dito,” she said.
Meanwhile, Akabayan partylist representative Percival Cendaña said the incident only reinforced concerns that powerful political figures cannot be properly held accountable inside the Philippines.
“At yung pinaka-natalo dito sa nangyari na pagpapatakas kay Bato de la Rosa ay ‘yung mga pamilya ng mga namatayan sa EJK,” Cendaña said.
He argued that the situation strengthens the case for the ICC to handle the proceedings instead of local institutions.
“Talagang pinapakita nito na hindi talaga pwede dito sa Pilipinas litisin si Bato at si Duterte at kahit pa si Bong Go,” he added, referring to Bong Go.
Cendaña also hinted that he would not be surprised if Senate leadership had knowledge of Dela Rosa’s departure from Senate custody.
The controversy further escalated after Senate President Cayetano compared the situation to De Lima’s own arrest in 2017 during the Duterte administration.
De Lima quickly rejected the comparison, insisting that she peacefully surrendered at the time and did not evade authorities.
“Naku, maling-maling ‘yang mga sinasabi ni SP Allan. Ako po ay mapayapa na nag-surrender noon,” she said.
She clarified that she only briefly went home to say goodbye to her family and collect personal belongings before returning to the Senate and eventually surrendering the following day.
“So hindi po totoo yung sinasabi na hindi ako inaresto o hindi ako nag-surrender doon sa Senate premises,” De Lima stressed.
The issue continues to fuel political tensions inside the Senate as questions mount over Dela Rosa’s disappearance from protective custody, the reported shooting incident, and the growing pressure surrounding the ICC case against Duterte-era officials.
May 15, 2026
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