CIDG eyes obstruction raps vs Padilla, others over dela Rosa ‘escape’ | INQToday

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:09]The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will refer before the Department of Justice an obstruction of justice complaint against Senator Robin Padilla and several others over the alleged escape of Senator Bato dela Rosa. In a statement on Wednesday, May 27, the CIDG says its investigation found that the transport of dela Rosa, quote, was not a mere hitch ride aboard a Padilla's vehicle. The CIDG says the operation was allegedly a highly coordinated pre-planned maneuver to avoid detection while escaping the Senate premises before dawn on May 14, 2026. The police unit says it will refer a complaint for obstruction of justice to the Department of Justice. The complaint will be filed against Padilla and several persons who allegedly facilitated dela Rosa's escape. Dela Rosa is wanted by the International Criminal Court over his alleged participation in former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Interior Secretary John Victor Remulla earlier said dela Rosa left the Senate with Padilla aboard the latter's vehicle following a shooting incident.

[00:01:09]Padilla previously maintained that dela Rosa merely hitched a ride aboard his vehicle. He says he dropped dela Rosa off in Makati City and did not ask where he was going.

[00:01:21]The wife of Senator Bato dela Rosa questions the legality of an alleged search conducted by law enforcement agents at the home of one of the senator's friends. In a social media post on Wednesday, May 27, Nancy dela Rosa shares a screenshot of Cholly Abilya Cabanban's post.

[00:01:36]>> [music] >> In the post, Cabanban said around 20 to 30 agents from the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrived at his home at around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

[00:01:47]Cabanban said the agents requested conduct a search in connection with a warrant reportedly intended for Senator dela Rosa. The senator is the subject of a manhunt as he is wanted by the International Criminal Court as an alleged co-perpetrator in then uh President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody war on drugs. Cabanban asked authorities whether they had a warrant specifically authorizing a search of his property.

[00:02:09]However, he was allegedly told that it was not necessary. Cabanban added that he allowed the search to proceed and answered questions from authorities.

[00:02:17]Cabanban also admitted to having a close relationship with Senator Dela Rosa and suspended Senate Sergeant-at-Arms General Mawa Plaska. Reacting to the incident, Nancy questions whether authorities could enter private homes without a warrant. Nancy also apologizes to their friends, relatives, and acquaintances for any inconvenience caused. She adds that they were not trying to involve others, but they are issuing a warning.

[00:02:41]Former Senate Blue Ribbon Committee head, Senator Ping Lacson, says the charges set to be filed against the senators linked to the flood control scandal vindicate committee's findings on the issue. In a social media post on Wednesday, May 27, Lacson says the planned filing of plunder, malversation, and other cases validates the findings and recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Committee's partial report on the alleged flood control anomaly. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier confirmed that plunder charges will be filed before the Sandiganbayan against Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Thursday, May 28.

[00:03:12]Remulla also said charges against Senator Joel Villanueva may be filed within the next 2 weeks. In a previous privilege speech, Lacson presented the committee's chairman's progress report on the inquiry into the alleged anomalous flood control projects. Lacson said the committee recommended investigating officials allegedly involved in the infrastructure controversy, including some of his fellow lawmakers. The list included Villanueva, Estrada, Senator Chiz Escudero, former Senator Bong Revilla, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and former House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co. Former Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant District Engineer Bryce Hernandez earlier alleged that Estrada and Villanueva pushed for insertions to fund a flood control projects in Bulacan in exchange for kickbacks. However, Estrada has repeatedly denied the accusation. He said no records from the legislative budget research and monitoring office showed that he pushed for the insertions. Villanueva also denied the kickback accusations saying that Co could not have paid him any commissions given their public feud.