Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has submitted his formal response to an obstruction of justice complaint filed against him regarding the departure of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa from the Senate premises in May.

The Ombudsman's office confirmed receipt of Cayetano's counter affidavit, which addresses allegations that he and other senators obstructed justice by granting protective custody to dela Rosa to avoid his arrest on an ICC warrant.

Complainants argue that the protective custody was a ruse, as it was followed by security forces firing warning shots at NBI agents, causing panic and chaos.Evidence suggests the acts were part of a coordinated effort to prevent dela Rosa's apprehension and hinder the investigation into his escape.

The complainants claim these actions constitute prima facie evidence of obstruction of justice, with Cayetano and others resisting the production of CCTV footage.The case highlights tensions within the Senate and raises questions about the legitimacy of protective measures during legal proceedings.