A teachers’ organization has escalated calls for accountability over the prolonged nonappearance of Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in the Senate, arguing that the chamber’s failure to respond has turned an internal issue into a public test of institutional credibility.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers said the senator’s months-long absence amounts to a clear abandonment of legislative responsibility, particularly as he continues to draw full pay and benefits. ACT chairperson Ruby Bernardo urged Senate leaders to move beyond accommodation and impose sanctions, including disciplinary measures that could result in removal, warning that tolerance of the situation undermines public trust.
Bernardo pointed to reports indicating that Dela Rosa has not reported for Senate work since Nov. 11, 2025, despite remaining on the payroll. She described the arrangement as an unacceptable use of public funds, stressing that salaries and privileges paid from taxes should not be extended to officials who fail to perform their duties.
The ACT leader also directly challenged the senator to resurface publicly, framing his absence as avoidance rather than coincidence. In her remarks, she dared Dela Rosa to “reunite with his former commander-in-chief, Rodrigo Duterte, who is now detained by the International Criminal Court to stand trial for crimes against humanity.”
Public discussion around Dela Rosa’s absence has intensified alongside renewed attention on the ICC’s investigation into the former administration’s anti-drug campaign. While unverified claims have circulated online suggesting a possible ICC arrest warrant, the court has not publicly confirmed any such order. Dela Rosa and his legal team have denied that he is evading authorities, maintaining that he is monitoring legal developments and disputing the ICC’s jurisdiction, as Philippine officials have stated they are aware of his whereabouts and have not classified him as a fugitive.
