Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that Senator Robinhood "Robin" Padilla may forfeit his right to present a defense if he does not attend the upcoming preliminary investigation into an obstruction of justice case. The case involves allegations against him for allegedly assisting Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa in evading arrest last May.

According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato informed reporters that if Padilla fails to appear, it will be regarded as a waiver of his right to present a defense, and the case will be adjudicated based on the existing evidence. Dato clarified that the issuance of a subpoena does not imply guilt, emphasizing that this is the preliminary investigation stage, where respondents are allowed to respond to the allegations before any prima facie case is determined.

The case stems from an incident on the morning of May 14, when Dela Rosa avoided an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The warrant was related to his involvement in the war against illegal drugs during former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration. Dela Rosa had served as the chief of the Philippine National Police under Duterte, who is charged with crimes against humanity for his anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Padilla has acknowledged that Dela Rosa left the Senate building with him as law enforcers attempted to serve the ICC's arrest warrant. Justice Undersecretary Dato reiterated the DOJ's commitment to due process, stating that they are obliged to summon any respondent to submit their counter-affidavits and evidence via a subpoena once a complaint is received.