Ombudsman probes Senators Padilla, Estrada as ‘persons of interest’ on dela Rosa’s escape

The Office of the Ombudsman announced that they will conduct an investigation on the role of Senators Robin Padilla and Jinggoy Estrada regarding the escape of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the Senate last May 14.

The investigation of Padilla is based on the speculation that he is involved in dela Rosa’s escape, while that of Estrada is based on his statement of hiding CCTV footage during the same event.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), and the Police will join in the investigation.

“Ang imbestigasyon na ito, kasama lahat. Kasama ang NBI dito na ating iimbestigahan. Kasama rito ang OSSA. Kasama rin iyong mga pulis na nagpunta roon sa lugar na iyon para malaman natin ang buong pangyayari mula sa perspektibo ng gobyerno,” he said in a media interview.

Earlier today, Estrada clarified that there was no malicious intent behind withholding the CCTV footage after the incident. He said that he pertained to securing the footage as evidence to the incident.

Padilla is yet to release a statement regarding the investigation.

The tension among parties is still high following the gunfire that occurred two days ago, the same time dela Rosa left the Senate building.