Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Robin Padilla directed to respond to obstruction complaint

the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Robin Padilla, along with former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, to submit their responses to an obstruction of justice complaint.

This complaint stems from the shooting incident that occurred at the Senate on May 13.

The incident was followed by legal developments involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa. After the incident at the Senate complex, Dela Rosa departed the area despite an outstanding warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning his previous role as Philippine National Police chief during the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.

The Ombudsman has issued an order directing all respondents to file their counter-affidavits and supporting evidence. These documents must be submitted within 15 days of receiving the notice.

“Acting on the sworn complaint, the above-named respondents are hereby directed to submit their counter-affidavit/s and controverting evidence to the said complaint, copy of which is hereto attached, within a non-extendible period of 15 days from receipt hereof in three legible copies addressed to this Office,” the Ombudsman order read.

The order also instructed the respondents to furnish the complainants with copies of their submissions.

“Respondents are likewise required to submit proof of service of their counter-affidavit and controverting evidence to the complainants, who may file a reply-affidavit within a non-extendible period of five days from receipt of the same, with proof of service to the respondents,” it added.

The complaint was lodged by Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Francis Aquino Dee together with several organizations, including Partido Manggagawa, Baigani Feminist Collective, Magdalo Party, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines and Youth Resist.

Dee is the grandson of the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino.

Under the Ombudsman's order, should the complainants opt not to submit a reply-affidavit after receiving the respondents' answers, the case will be considered submitted for resolution. No additional pleadings or documents will be accepted thereafter.

“No motion for extension of time, motion to dismiss, motion for bill or particulars, or any other dilatory motions and pleadings shall be entertained,” the Ombudsman added.

The shooting incident occurred on May 13 while Dela Rosa was under the Senate's protective custody. The Senate complex was placed on lockdown after gunshots were fired, a day after National Bureau of Investigation operatives attempted to serve the ICC arrest warrant against the senator.

Aplasca fired several warning shots at the Senate's glass windows, triggering panic among individuals still inside the premises. Then-Senate President Cayetano later characterized the incident by saying the Senate was "under attack."

Dela Rosa has not been seen publicly since leaving the Senate complex following the May 13 incident.

-Paraluman News