A party-list solon said Senator Robin Padilla should be investigated for possible liability over his alleged role in helping Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa leave the Senate premises despite the standing arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña made the call after Padilla denied that he helped Dela Rosa escape, even as he admitted that the former police chief rode in his vehicle when he left the Senate early Thursday last week.
“Ang nakakatawa dito, paano masasabi ni Sen. Robin na hindi niya itinakas si Sen. Bato, e inamin niya na siya ang nag-udyok na umalis ito sa Senado at sa kaniya rin ang getaway vehicle,” the House party-list lawmaker said.
The Akbayan lawmaker claimed Padilla may have exposed himself to possible liability under Article 70 of the Rome Statute, which covers offenses against the administration of justice, for allegedly obstructing the enforcement of the ICC warrant.
“Baka na-FOMO si Sen. Robin kay Digong and Bato. Ayan tuloy na-violate niya ang Article 70 ng Rome Statute on ‘Offenses against the administration of Justice’ dahil sa pag-obstruct niya sa enforcement ng ICC warrant,” Cendaña said.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier said the ICC warrant against Dela Rosa is valid.
He also urged law enforcement agencies to determine whether Padilla may be held liable under Presidential Decree No. 1829, which penalizes obstruction of justice, including acts that facilitate the escape of a person to prevent arrest.
Under the decree, violators may face imprisonment and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
“Imbes na maging palusot, nagmistulang confession ang pahayag ni Sen. Robin. At the very least, our authorities should investigate and question Sen. Robin on the whereabouts of Bato and if necessary file the necessary charges,” Cendaña said.
The lawmaker also renewed his call for a nationwide manhunt for Dela Rosa, arguing that the Philippines should not be used as a refuge by individuals facing serious human rights-related cases under international law.
“Isang kahihiyan ang pagkakanlong ng ilang Senador para sa isang pumatay ng libu-libo. ‘Wag sanang madagdagan pa itong nakakahiyang pagsasalaula sa katarungan at karapatang pantao. If the government is serious in capturing this fugitive then a nationwide manhunt is absolutely necessary,” Cendaña noted.