Senate ethics panel may junk absenteeism complaint vs dela Rosa

MANILA, Philippines — The ethics complaint against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa due to his supposed absenteeism may be dismissed as Senate lacks a “no work, no pay” rule.

This possibility was confirmed by Senate panel on ethics and privileges chairperson JV Ejercito during a press briefing on Wednesday.

“If outright, we will go on with that, the case will be dismissed because it is not in our rules. We have to amend the rules first. Then probably, they can refile,” Ejercito explained.

READ: Group files ethics complaint vs dela Rosa for absence in Senate

However, if the change is made before dela Rosa’s case is reviewed, such grounds on his absenteeism may be considered.

“If any member would propose that the rules be amended or propose the inclusion of such a provision, that ‘no work, no pay’ [rule], then we can make the necessary amendments,” Ejercito said.

There are at least four cases ahead of dela Rosa that are being handled by the panel.

Dela Rosa has been absent in the Senate since November 2025.

Some senators get criticisms for their alleged inaction, and for supposedly covering up for their colleagues.

In response, Ejercito remarked: “How can we cover up? Even today, we are the ones rushing the adoption of rules.”“We are being accused of sitting on this, but the committee cannot act on anything. Not until the rules are adopted and published,” he explained.

The rules of the ethics panel are set to be published within the next 24 hours, the senator later said. 

READ: Ejercito: Senate ethics panel to start vetting 6 senators March 18

Dela Rosa went into hiding following rumors of a possible arrest warrant against him from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his part in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.

During Duterte’s administration, dela Rosa served as chief of the Philippine National Police.

He was the head of police in Davao City when the former president was its mayor. /apl