DOJ returns complaint vs Robin Padilla to CIDG; requests more documents

The Department of Justice (DOJ) returned the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for obstruction of justice against Senator Robin Padilla, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Wednesday.

“This case was referred back to the CIDG for further investigation, pursuant to Department Circular No. 20,” Vida said in a briefing.

“The investigating prosecutor requested further documents or certain statements from concerned individuals,” he added.

In May, the PNP filed the complaint against Padilla and others for supposedly helping Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa escape from the Senate premises.

Padilla, however, maintained that he did not help Dela Rosa “escape” as the former police chief only asked to hitch a ride with him out of the Senate building on May 14.

Vida declined to give further details on the documents requested by the Justice Department.

“I’m sure the PNP-CIDG’s leadership is aware of the public interest in the matter. Magfa-follow up din kami,” Vida said.

Dela Rosa is the subject of an arrest warrant for “alleged criminal responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator” in the crimes against humanity of murder from July 3, 2016, until the end of April 2018, wherein at least 32 persons died. —RF, GMA News