Manila, Philippines — November last year when Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
This is in line with his role as the former Philippine National Police Chief in then President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs campaign, allegedly resulting in extra-judicial killings.
Despite no confirmation of the supposed ICC arrest warrant, Dela Rosa has been absent in his office and has not attended any Senate Session since November 11.
Based on the records, Dela Rosa is the top absentee during the 1st regular session of the 20th Congress, with 31 days absent from the first 58 session days.
And with the upcoming resumption of the Senate session in May, Senate Deputy Majority Leader and Ethics committee chair Sen. JV Ejercito urged Dela Rosa to voluntarily forgo receiving his salary and allowance.
Ejercito emphasized that if ordinary Filipino workers are under ‘no work, no pay’ policy, then they should be public servants as well.
He noted that public officials are accountable for their actions, and have a responsibility to the public that they serve.
Amid the call, Ejercito admitted that there has been no Senate rule yet compelling attendance of lawmakers, and its effect on their salary.
He added that any action on this matter will still need to undergo process and deliberations.
Earlier, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto said that the Senate has no rules regarding attendance, and that the no work no pay policy is not applicable in the Upper Chamber.
Sotto has likewise urged Dela Rosa to waive his right to receive salary amid continued absence.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News