MANILA, Philippines — The Senate leadership has denied Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s request to allow his family to use the Senate Mansion in Baguio City, citing “ongoing repairs.” The senator, who has been absent from the chamber since November, had sought permission for March 26–29, saying the mansion would accommodate his family during the CSAFP Cup 2026.
Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza confirmed the request was denied. “Yes, it is denied,” Mendoza told reporters, noting the ongoing maintenance at the government-owned property.
Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, has remained largely absent amid reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant against him in connection with the case of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, a claim cited by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla. The ICC has not officially confirmed the warrant.
Because of his prolonged absence, Dela Rosa has lost nearly all of his committee memberships, with minority allies filling his slots. Civil society group Wag Kang KuCorrupt recently filed an ethics complaint calling for the suspension of his salary.
The Senate Mansion, located in Barangay Lualhati, is reserved for visiting officials and is part of a larger complex that includes a historic presidential mansion dating back to the American colonial period.
