The Office of the Ombudsman has received the counter-affidavit submitted by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano in response to the obstruction of justice complaint filed against him over the alleged assistance given in the escape of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa from authorities on May 14, 2026.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 16, the Ombudsman confirmed that Cayetano’s legal counsel submitted the counter-affidavit on Wednesday, July 15, as part of the ongoing preliminary investigation into the complaint.
“The Office of the Ombudsman has received the counter affidavit submitted by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. Counsel for Sen. Cayetano presented the counter affidavit yesterday, July 15, 2026,” the Ombudsman said.
The anti-graft body said the submission was in response to the complaint for obstruction of justice filed by members of civil society groups.
“This counter affidavit is in response to the ongoing preliminary investigation into the complaint of Obstruction of Justice filed by members of civil society,” the Ombudsman added.
The complaint was initiated by members of the Tindig Pilipinas coalition, who personally went to the Ombudsman’s office on June 3, 2026, to file charges against Cayetano, Sen. Robinhood Padilla, and dismissed Acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms P/MGen. Mao Aplasca in connection with Dela Rosa’s reported escape from authorities.
On June 25, 2026, the Ombudsman announced that Cayetano, Padilla, and Aplasca were given a total of 15 days to submit their respective counter-affidavits to answer the allegations.
The Ombudsman said it is still awaiting the counter-affidavits of Cayetano’s co-respondents, including Sen. Robinhood Padilla and P/MGen. Mao Aplasca, before proceeding with the next steps in the preliminary investigation.
