Bato faces ethics complaint over prolonged absence

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February 26, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is facing an ethics hearing that may see his salary suspended, after a civil society group filed a formal complaint before the Senate committee on ethics yesterday over his prolonged absence.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and ethics chair Sen. JV Ejercito, the group Wag Kang KuCorrupt asked the panel to look into what it described as Dela Rosa’s “prolonged absence from official duties for the past three months and counting.”

The group argued that the continued failure of a sitting senator to report for work and perform official functions constitutes “a clear dereliction of duty” and a “grave abuse of the privilege entrusted to him by the Filipino people.”

“As an elected public official receiving compensation from public funds, a senator carries the constitutional and moral obligation to attend sessions, participate in legislative deliberations and fulfill oversight responsibilities,” the complaint read.

The group also raised concerns over the impact of Dela Rosa’s absence from committee work, noting that as a committee chair, his non-attendance could delay hearings, pending legislative measures and oversight functions.

“Committee work is central to the legislative process, and prolonged inaction at the committee level disrupts policy development, weakens accountability mechanisms and stalls legislation that may directly affect the welfare of the public,” the letter stated.

Wag Kang KuCorrupt compared the situation to ordinary working conditions, pointing out that Filipino workers do not receive compensation if they fail to report for work and may face disciplinary action or termination for repeated absences without approved leave.

“If a private sector employee were to be absent from work for three consecutive months without proper authorization, such conduct would almost certainly warrant termination. Yet when an elected official does the same, the apparent absence of immediate consequence sends a dangerous message: that public officials are held to a lower standard of accountability than ordinary citizens,” the group said.

It cited possible ethical concerns, including violation of the duty to faithfully discharge official functions, misuse or abuse of public funds if compensation continues despite prolonged non-performance of duties, erosion of public trust and disruption of committee functions.

The group urged the ethics committee to conduct a formal inquiry, determine whether Senate rules and ethical standards were violated and impose appropriate sanctions if warranted.

One of the complainants, professor Cielo Magno, said the suspension of Dela Rosa's salary and office operations should be considered at the minimum.

Dela Rosa's office said they remain operational despite their principal’s absence.

The senator has been absent from his official duties at the Senate since last year, when reports surfaced that an International Criminal Court arrest warrant was out for him.

Speaking to reporters, Sotto said he would personally review the ethics complaint and discuss the matter with Ejercito.

Asked whether it was time to establish clear sanctions in cases involving prolonged absences, the Senate President noted that current Senate rules are silent on the matter.