MANILA – Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed on January 10, 2026, that he has received no response from Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa regarding his prolonged absence from Senate sessions, despite repeated attempts to contact him.
Escudero stated during a media briefing:
“I have not received any reply from Sen. Bato. I have tried reaching out through different channels, but there has been no communication so far. We are still waiting for an official explanation.”
Key Background
- Dela Rosa has been absent from Senate plenary sessions since late 2025, with no official leave filed or explanation provided.
- Under Senate rules, prolonged unexplained absence can lead to sanctions, including potential forfeiture of certain privileges or even a call for resignation.
- The issue gained traction after Dela Rosa missed key votes and committee hearings, including those related to the 2026 budget deliberations.
Possible Reasons (Speculated)
- Personal reasons (health/family) – unconfirmed
- Political realignment or strategy ahead of 2028 elections
- Involvement in external matters (e.g., Duterte-related issues or private engagements)
Senate leadership has so far maintained a diplomatic tone, with Escudero emphasizing:
“We respect Sen. Bato’s situation, but we also need to uphold the institution’s rules and the public’s right to know.”
No formal sanction has been imposed yet, but the silence is increasingly raising eyebrows among colleagues and the public.
The Senate is expected to revisit the matter in the next session if no communication is received.