Senator Panfilo Lacson has encouraged those seeking accountability against Senator Robin Padilla to formally file a complaint before the Senate Ethics Committee in connection with allegations that he helped Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa following the May 13 Senate incident.

Lacson stressed that the Senate Ethics Committee can only initiate proceedings once a complaint is filed that deemed sufficient in form and substance.

He noted that it would be more appropriate for a civilian to file the complaint, as senators who file such cases may be required to inhibit themselves during hearings.

The issue stemmed from CCTV footage released by Malacañang showing Padilla and Dela Rosa together and boarding a vehicle in the early hours of May 14, shortly after the reported gunfire incident inside the Senate.

Padilla has denied claims that he assisted Dela Rosa’s alleged escape, saying he merely rode with him and dismissed the accusations as baseless.