Imee Marcos Says Bato is Eager to Work
IMEE MARCOS – The senator has spoken out against the proposal to apply a “no work, no pay” rule to Senator Ronald dela Rosa because of his long absence from Senate sessions.
She said that Dela Rosa is known for being hardworking and dedicated, and not someone who avoids his responsibilities. According to her, his absence is not due to lack of effort but is related to safety concerns connected to a case filed before the International Criminal Court.
At a recent press briefing, Marcos shared that she feels sorry for her fellow senator, whose office is near hers in the Senate. She questioned whether it is fair to enforce a no work, no pay policy in his case. She explained that Dela Rosa did not choose to stay away from work. In fact, she described him as someone who is always eager to work and regularly attends sessions. She emphasized that he has always shown strong commitment to his duties.
“Naaawa naman ako kay Senator Bato. Kapitbahay ko ‘yon sa opisina. May nagsasabi na ‘no work, no pay’ daw. Tama ba ‘yun? Parang hindi naman ‘ata,” she said. “Ginusto niya ba ‘yun? Si Senator Bato, kilala ko ‘yon. Atat na atat magtrabaho ‘yun. Palagi pumapasok. Ang hilig nun magtrabaho. Wala sa katawan nun hindi magtrabaho,” she added.
Dela Rosa has been named as a co-perpetrator with former President Rodrigo Duterte in relation to alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the government’s war on drugs. Because of this, there are concerns about possible legal action from international authorities.
Marcos said the main reason for Dela Rosa’s absence is that he does not have clear assurance from Senate leaders that he will be protected if an arrest order is issued. She explained that different statements from officials have created confusion, making him unsure about his safety if he attends sessions. She stressed that his absence should not be seen as laziness or refusal to work, but as a precaution due to legal and security risks.
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