The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Robin Padilla, along with former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, to answer an obstruction of justice complaint stemming from the alleged escape of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from the Senate on 14 May.

In an order served on 24 June, the Ombudsman directed the three respondents to file their counter-affidavits within a non-extendible period of 15 days.

They were also ordered to furnish copies of their counter-affidavits to the complainants, who will then be given the opportunity to submit reply-affidavits.

The Ombudsman said failure to respond within the prescribed period would be deemed a waiver of the respondents’ right to submit further pleadings and evidence, after which the case would be considered submitted for resolution.

The complaint was filed by Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino Dee and other civic leaders, who accused the three Senate officials of obstructing justice following Dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate while authorities were reportedly attempting to serve a warrant against him.

Cayetano was included in the complaint for allegedly granting Dela Rosa protective custody inside the Senate during his stint as Senate president.

Padilla, meanwhile, was cited after CCTV footage allegedly showed Dela Rosa leaving the Senate aboard the senator’s vehicle before being dropped off at an undisclosed location in Makati City.

Aplasca was likewise named in the complaint over his alleged role in the incident.

Dela Rosa remained at large, with authorities yet to disclose his whereabouts following the incident.