Ethics Complaint Filed Against Bato dela Rosa Over Long Senate Absences
BATO DELA ROSA – The senator is facing ethics complaints over his prolonged absence from the Senate.
A civil society group, Wag Kang KuCorrupt, filed the complaint with the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, arguing that his continued failure to report to work is a serious dereliction of duty and an abuse of the trust given to him by the Filipino people. As a public official who is compensated from public funds, the group emphasized that a senator has both a legal and moral responsibility to attend sessions, participate in debates, and carry out oversight functions.
“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,” it said. “Moreover, as Chair of Senate committees, his absence inevitably causes delays in scheduled hearings, pending legislative measures, oversight functions, and the timely consideration of matters within the jurisdiction of those committees,” it added.
Dela Rosa’s absence, they noted, has disrupted the functioning of Senate committees he chairs, causing delays in hearings, pending legislation, and other oversight matters. The group called for a formal inquiry to determine whether he violated Senate rules and ethical standards, and to apply sanctions if necessary. Among the members of the group are former Office of the Vice President spokesman Atty. Barry Gutierrez and former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno.
The senator has not attended any Senate session or made a public appearance since November 11, 2025. His absences followed allegations by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued a warrant of arrest against him in connection with the controversial war on drugs. The ICC Office of the Prosecutor later named Dela Rosa as one of the alleged co-perpetrators of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the ongoing crimes against humanity case.