MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has repeatedly tried to reach Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who has not responded since stopping his attendance in the Senate last November, following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him.
Sotto said on Friday that he sent personal text messages to Dela Rosa about two months ago, including a note thanking him after his daughter, Ciara, met Dela Rosa’s wife, Nancy. He also messaged the senator regarding the 2026 national budget, as Dela Rosa is a vice chair of the Senate finance committee and part of the bicameral conference. Sotto received no reply.
“The Senate cannot compel senators to come to work as long as their offices function,” Sotto explained. He said the only time the chamber can force a member’s presence is if a vote is needed; otherwise, absent senators are responsible to their constituents.
Dela Rosa began skipping Senate work after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed on radio that the ICC had issued a warrant against him. As former national police chief under President Rodrigo Duterte, Dela Rosa led the war on drugs that killed thousands. Duterte is currently detained in The Hague awaiting trial for crimes against humanity.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who once went into hiding to evade arrest in a high-profile case, said he contacted Dela Rosa last year to offer advice within the bounds of the law. Lacson joked that if Dela Rosa chose to go into hiding, he could teach him how, but stressed that law enforcement should continue to search for him.
Sotto recounted that there is precedent for the Senate taking measures when a member’s vote is crucial. Lacson himself was once forced into hiding in 2010–2011, leading to the closure and suspension of his Senate office by leadership after the Commission on Audit questioned disbursements. Lacson returned to public life after the Court of Appeals reversed a probable cause finding in February 2011.
So far, Dela Rosa’s absence has not required any action from the Senate, as no votes have demanded his presence. Sotto stressed that while the senator avoids the situation, his office continues to function.
