Sen. Robin Padilla is expected to appear before the Department of Justice on Friday for the preliminary investigation into a complaint accusing him of obstruction of justice in connection with Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s departure from the Senate in May.

According to a report by RH Tina Nolasco, PDP Laban national spokesperson Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said Padilla will be accompanied by several officials and members of PDP Laban, Duterte Youth, Inday Sara Duterte Advocacy, Eagle’s Brotherhood and leaders of the Muslim community.

The groups are expected to gather outside the DOJ main office along Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila, at around 1 p.m. to show support for Padilla.

The DOJ earlier said any protest or noise outside its premises would not affect the preliminary investigation, which will be conducted by its panel of prosecutors. The department has left security and public order outside its offices to law enforcement authorities.

The complaint was filed by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) over allegations that Padilla and others helped Dela Rosa evade arrest after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant against the former police chief.

The DOJ has stressed that the issuance of a subpoena is not a finding of guilt and that the preliminary investigation gives respondents an opportunity to answer the allegations and submit evidence.

Padilla and his co-respondents were directed to appear before the DOJ panel on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9. The DOJ said failure to appear may be considered a waiver of the respondents’ right to present a defense, with the case to be resolved based on the evidence on record.