The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Sen. Robin Padilla should voluntarily help authorities establish how Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa left the Senate after being placed under the chamber’s protective custody.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Padilla had already confirmed that Dela Rosa rode with him and was later dropped off at another location. He said the senator should provide authorities with a full account without waiting to be compelled by law enforcement.
“It is Sen. Padilla himself who confirmed na sa kanya sumakay, nakisakay sa kanya at binaba niya sa isang lugar,” Matibag said in a media forum.
The issue stemmed from efforts to implement an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest against Dela Rosa. His presence at the Senate, and his eventual departure from the premises, triggered questions after the former police chief was placed under Senate protective custody.
Matibag said Padilla, as a senator and citizen, should help clarify the events surrounding Dela Rosa’s movement.
“Siya na mismo ang voluntary to give, to shed light sa pangyayaring ito,” Matibag said, adding that the Department of Justice, in coordination with other agencies, is studying possible legal responsibilities arising from the incident.
Asked about Padilla’s statement that Dela Rosa got off in Makati and that he no longer knew where the senator went afterward, Matibag said there were still matters that needed explanation beyond the ride itself.
The NBI chief also said the Senate must clarify what it meant when it placed Dela Rosa under protective custody. He said such custody should mean that the person would be made available to authorities when required by law, not shielded from lawful processes.
Matibag recalled that when authorities first went to the Senate to serve the arrest warrant, they were told Dela Rosa was under the chamber’s protective custody and would not flee if required to face legal proceedings.
He warned that allowing a person subject to arrest to disappear while supposedly under the protection of a constitutional institution could set a dangerous precedent.
“Baka iba yung definition ng Senado rito sa protective custody, hindi niyo pwedeng hulihin pero pwede naming patakasin,” Matibag said.
He said such a situation could weaken public trust in law enforcement and create the impression that the Senate could be used as a refuge by a fugitive.
Matibag said the incident highlights the need to uphold law and order, especially at a time when public institutions are under close scrutiny and narratives spread rapidly through social media.
“We have to instill law and order and discipline to every Filipino right now,” he said.