Dela Rosa’s opinion sought on ‘no work, no pay’ policy

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate ethics committee wants Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to comment on a proposal to amend Senate rules to include the “no work, no pay” policy for absentee lawmakers.

“I am asking Senator Dela Rosa … to formally comment on the complaint against him,” Sen. JV Ejercito, chair of the committee, told reporters on Monday.

“There is also a proposal to amend the rules of the Senate already—on absenteeism … It also concerns the complaint against him. That’s also covered,” he added.

Dela Rosa is facing an ethics complaint for his continued absence in the Senate since November last year, following reports that the International Criminal Court has allegedly ordered his arrest in connection with the previous administration’s war on drugs.

READ: A reckoning too long in coming

Dela Rosa served as the head of the Philippine National Police under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The civil society group “Wag Kang KuCorrupt,” which filed the complaint against the former PNP chief argued that his prolonged absence from official duties constitutes not only a clear dereliction of duty, but also a grave abuse of the privilege entrusted to him by the Filipino people. —TINA G. SANTOS