Senator JV Ejercito tells Bato Dela Rosa to do this.
Senator JV Ejercito urged Senator Bato Dela Rosa to voluntarily stop receiving his salary and allowances as senator amid prolonged absence.
Previously, Senator Bato Dela Rosa topped the list of “poorly performing” senators based on a survey amid his ICC controversy. To recall, he was officially mentioned in an ICC document dated February 14, 2026, as one of the “indirect co-perpetrators,” and since last year, he’s been in hiding after an ICC warrant against him has been reported.
The prolonged absence also put Bato at the top of the absentee list in the Senate. Reportedly, his absence from Senate sessions began in November 2025, and following him in the list are Jinggoy Estrada (24%), Robin Padilla (15%), Risa Hontiveros (15%), and Imee Marcos (13%). It also included Tito Sotto, Lito Lapid, Ping Lacson, JV Ejercito, Camille Villar, Bong Go, and Chiz Escudero.
Recently, even though the Senate has no specific rules about absences, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito appealed to Bato to voluntarily stop receiving his salary and allowances as a senator.
“Umaapela tayo kay Sen. Bato Dela Rosa na kusang-loob na hindi muna tumanggap ng sweldo at allowances niya sa Senado,” Ejercito said in a statement, emphasizing that public officials should be held to the same standard as ordinary workers, particularly under a “no work, no pay” principle.
He stressed that public service is a trust and that officials must remain accountable to the people. Ejercito added that Senate rules may need to be changed to deal with long absences of members, since there are currently no clear rules to force attendance. He also noted that any action would still need proper discussion and approval in the Senate.
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