Cayetano, Padilla, Aplasca told to answer complaint over Bato escape
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Robin Padilla, as well as former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, to comment on the obstruction of justice complaint filed against them.
In an order dated June 24, the Ombudsman directed Padilla, Cayetano and Aplasca to comment on the complaint in relation to allegations surrounding Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's evasion of arrest at the Senate premises on May 14.
The anti-graft body ordered the three to submit their comment within a non-extendible period of 15 days.
The order warned that if the respondents fail to file their counter-affidavits within the prescribed period despite receiving proper notice, or if they cannot be served with or refuse to accept the order, the complaint will be considered submitted for resolution without any further pleadings or documents being accepted.
Furthermore, it emphasized that no motions for an extension of time, motions to dismiss, motions for a bill of particulars, or any other dilatory motions and pleadings will be entertained.
The complaint was filed by the civil society group Tindig Pilipinas on June 3.
According to the complaint, the respondents used their official positions and Senate facilities to create a sanctuary for Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court and had suddenly reappeared at the Senate on May 11 after a six-month absence.
Complainants argued that Cayetano lacked legal justification for placing Dela Rosa under "Senate protective custody," asserting the move was designed exclusively to shield the senator from law enforcement.
The group also alleged that Cayetano made misleading live broadcast statements by framing the National Bureau of Investigation's efforts to serve the ICC warrant as an unlawful "attack" on the Senate.
The accusations against Padilla stem from his self-admitted involvement in the senator's physical escape. Padilla has acknowledged that Dela Rosa departed the Senate grounds in his personal vehicle after a chaotic shooting on May 13.
Although Padilla maintained that he only offered a ride and dropped Dela Rosa off in Makati City without knowledge of his next destination, the complainants contended that this act directly facilitated the escape of an individual facing an active arrest.
Meanwhile, former Senate sergeant-at-arms Aplasca was named in the complaint for ordering security protocols that blocked NBI access and generated widespread confusion, panic and disorder.
Complainants cited Aplasca's admission that he fired the initial shot at NBI agents during the standoff, a move they claim ultimately allowed Dela Rosa to exit the heavily secured premises.
- Latest
- Trending
