SENATE Deputy Majority Leader and Ethics Committee Chair Sen. JV Ejercito has called on Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to voluntarily stop receiving his salary and allowances while he remains absent from Senate sessions.
The appeal was made on Tuesday, highlighting that Dela Rosa has not made any public appearances or attended any sessions since November 2025. The senator’s absence comes amid reports and claims that an arrest warrant has been issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the previous administration’s war on drugs.
In a statement, Ejercito appealed directly to his colleague, urging him to follow the principle of “no work, no pay.” “Umaapela tayo kay Sen. Bato Dela Rosa na kusang-loob na hindi muna tumanggap ng sweldo at allowances niya sa Senado,” he said. He emphasized that just like ordinary Filipino workers who are subject to this policy, public servants should be held to the same standard. “Public service is a public trust, we are all accountable to the people we serve,” Ejercito added.
However, Ejercito acknowledged that currently, there is no existing rule in the Senate that formally implements a “no work, no pay” policy for absent members.
He explained that to legally compel attendance or withhold compensation, the Senate rules must first be amended. “As stated before, even by Senate President Sotto, the Senate has yet to establish rules that can compel attendance,” he noted. He pointed out that any formal action requires time to undergo proper deliberation and amendments before it can be enforced.
