Anticorruption group raps Dela Rosa for 4-month absence
An anticorruption group headed by former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno has filed an ethics complaint against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa who has been absent in the Senate since November 2025.
In their formal complaint addressed to panel on ethics chair Sen. JV Ejercito, civil society group Wag Kang KuCorrupt argued that Dela Rosa’s continued absence from official duties constitutes not only a clear dereliction of duty but also grave abuse of the privilege entrusted to him by the Filipino people.
The ethics complaint also noted that in ordinary working conditions, Filipino laborers and employees do not receive compensation for days they fail to report to work.
“Many are subjected to disciplinary action, salary deductions, suspension or even outright termination for repeated absences without approved leave. Breadwinners across the country work tirelessly, often under difficult conditions, precisely because their families’ welfare depends on daily accountability,” said the group.
With this, they are urging the Senate committee on ethics and privileges to conduct a formal inquiry into Dela Rosa’s absence and determine whether there has been a violation of Senate rules and ethical standards, and impose appropriate sanctions if warranted.
Dock his funds
In a separate ambush interview also on Wednesday, Magno told reporters that she wants, at the very least, Dela Rosa’s salary as well as the operations of the senator’s office to be suspended.
“As you know, this involves spending public funds without any meaningful outcome. We can say that his office is technically operating, but the work is not being accomplished. For example, Senator Bato chairs several committees that have been unable to convene because he is absent. As a result, important matters are not being heard or addressed. Therefore, we believe that, at the minimum, Senator Bato’s salary should be suspended,” Magno said.
Dela Rosa has been absent in the Senate’s session since Nov. 10 in light of the alleged issuance of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him.
His lawyer Israelito Torreon earlier said they have been made aware of circulating reports but do not have independent confirmation as to whether or not this information is accurate.
Dela Rosa is facing charges of crimes against humanity in relation to the role he played at the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody drug war.
Being former President Duterte’s former top cop, Dela Rosa was the one who issued Command Memorandum Circular No. 16-2016 when he assumed power as Philippine National Police chief.
The memo was the basis for “Project Double Barrel” that started Duterte’s war on drugs which was later dubbed as “Oplan Tokhang.”
