MANILA — Sen. Robin Padilla denied allegations that he helped Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa escape from the Senate complex amid heightened tensions last week, insisting there was no arrest operation and that they openly left the premises despite the heavy presence of police and security personnel.
Padilla issued the denial after speculation circulated over Dela Rosa’s pre-dawn departure from the Senate on May 14 amid reports linking the senator to a possible International Criminal Court (ICC)-related arrest operation.
“Paano kami tatakas? Ang daming pulis sa loob at labas ng Senado, may CCTV pa. Wala namang humarang sa amin,” said Padilla in an interview with Net 25’s “Sa Ganang Mamamayan” program.
Padilla said he stayed inside the Senate for three days to accompany Dela Rosa as tensions escalated following the latter’s return to session after a six-month absence.
According to Padilla, the atmosphere inside the Senate turned increasingly tense on May 13 amid discussions about a possible leadership change and the anticipated arrival of impeachment articles.
“Ramdam mo na iba na ang ambience. May mga armadong kalalakihan na sa labas. May mga rally, may mga usapang lalala ang sitwasyon,” he said.
Padilla said concerns intensified further after reports of a power interruption in another section of the Senate building, prompting fear among some lawmakers.
“May mga senador na natakot talaga. Madilim, walang ilaw, tense ang sitwasyon. May mga umiiyak na. Kaya bumaba ako para tingnan kung ayos lang ang lahat,” Padilla said.
The actor-turned-lawmaker added that Dela Rosa was more concerned about maintaining order and ensuring the safety of people inside the Senate complex.
“Nakita ko kay Sen. Bato na iniisip niya kung paano madi-diffuse ang sitwasyon. Pulis kasi ang puso niyan,” he added.
Padilla also disclosed that Dela Rosa later spoke with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. upon their arrival at the Senate.
“Sabi ni Secretary Jonvic, ‘Hindi ako nandito para arestuhin ka pare, nandito ako para i-secure ang lugar.’ Magaan ang usapan, walang tensiyon,” said Padilla.
“Wala namang warrant. Ayon mismo sa Senate President, wala ring local warrant. Kaya very relaxed kami,” he added.
Padilla said he eventually advised Dela Rosa to go home early Thursday morning after learning that the senator’s wife was already looking for him.
“Ang sabi ni Sen. Bato, sasabay na ko. Alangan namang tanggihan ko yun? Walang sasakyan si Sen. Bato dahil inihatid lang siya sa Senado ng sasakyan ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano,” said Padilla.
He added that Dela Rosa later proceeded to Makati City to retrieve his own vehicle, noting that he did not ask where the senator intended to go afterward.
Padilla ended his remarks by urging the public and government officials not to lose focus on pressing national concerns amid the political tensions gripping the country.
“Ang dami pa nating dapat pag-usapan — trabaho, tamang sweldo, aksyon laban sa korapsyon. Kung gusto nating linisin ang gobyerno, dapat lahat. Huwag tayong mamili,” he said./PN
