Ombudsman orders Alan, Robin, Aplasca to answer obstruction raps over Senate shooting

The Office of the Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered Senators Alan Cayetano and Robin Padilla, as well as ex-Senate Sgt. at Arms Mao Aplasca, to answer the obstruction of justice complaint against them over the May 13 shooting incident at the Senate.

The said shooting incident was followed by the escape of Senator Ronald dela Rosa amid a pending International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for alleged crimes against humanity over drug war deaths during his term as Philippine National Police chief.

“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.

“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 obstruction of justice complaint was filed by Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor, Francis Aquino Dee and allied groups, including Partido Manggagawa, Baigani Feminist Collective, Magdalo Party, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Youth Resist, among others.

Dee is the grandson of the late martyr, Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino.

If Dee and his fellow complainants decide to forego filing a counter-affidavit on the respondents’ answer, the complaint will be deemed submitted for resolution.

This means that no further pleadings or documents will be received by the Ombudsman in connection with his complaint.

“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.

Sought for comment, Dee said they were glad that the Ombudsman took action on their plea.

“We welcome this development. We will have no further comment for now while the complaint is being processed,” Dee told GMA News Online.

The May 13 Senate shooting incident transpired while dela Rosa was under protective custody of the Senate.

Gunshots rang out at the Senate on the evening of May 13 while the building was placed on lockdown. It was a day after National Bureau of Investigation operatives attempted to serve a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC on dela Rosa.

Aplasca fired several warning shots at the Senate's glass windows, causing panic among those who were still within the Senate premises at that time.

Then Senate President Cayetano, however, described the incident as the Senate being “under attack.”

Dela Rosa has not been seen since he left the Senate premises after the May 13 shooting incident.—LDF, GMA News