Senator Robin Padilla files counter-affidavit in obstruction of justice case

Senator Robin Padilla on Friday submitted a counter-affidavit in response to an obstruction of justice complaint accusing him of assisting fellow Senator Ronald Dela Rosa avoid authorities attempting to serve an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

Padilla appeared at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila for a preliminary investigation, where he submitted his counter-affidavit, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) filed the complaint over allegations that Padilla helped Dela Rosa leave the Senate building on May 13 while the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was attempting to serve the ICC warrant.

If convicted, Padilla could face up to six years in prison and a fine of P6,000.

Padilla told reporters he would not urge Dela Rosa to surrender, saying Philippine courts had not issued an arrest warrant against his fellow lawmaker.

The senator also expressed his intention to attend the remaining preliminary investigation hearings this month, even as the Senate prepares to resume the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Nov. 9.

Dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC over allegations of involvement in the deadly anti-drugs campaign carried out during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.

He served as Philippine National Police chief from 2016 to 2018 under the former president, who has been in ICC custody in the Netherlands since March 2025.

The former president is scheduled to face trial on multiple counts of murder and attempted murder beginning Nov. 30, the PNA reported. Paraluman News with a report of Benjamin Pulta/Philippine News Agency