Senators missing in action?
A debate has erupted over whether lawmakers should face a โno work, no payโ policy after questions surfaced about prolonged absences in the Senate โ particularly that of Sen. Ronald โBatoโ dela Rosa.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian clarified that no such rule exists, meaning senators continue to receive salaries even without attending sessions. But he stressed that members are required to submit an excuse letter explaining their absence so leadership can review their status.
Gatchalian said his finance committee never received any official communication from dela Rosa, who has been absent since November 10, right when reports began circulating about an alleged ICC arrest warrant linked to drug war cases.
While dela Rosaโs staff informed Gatchalian that he could not attend budget deliberations, the senator noted that formal procedures were never followed. Dela Rosa was meant to defend the budget of the Department of National Defense, a task Gatchalian ultimately took over.
The former police chief remains out of sight as questions continue to swirl. His lawyer says they have seen reports of an ICC warrant but cannot independently verify them.
In this opening round, the Senate is left asking: Where is Bato โ and should absences come with accountability?
Image from Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa FB