Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson announced that the ongoing absences of Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa from Philippine Senate sessions will be addressed in a scheduled all-senators caucus meeting.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson stated on Saturday that the matter of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s continuous absence from plenary sessions of the Philippine Senate will be a key topic at the all-senators caucus planned for Monday. Lacson emphasized the need to review and possibly revise existing Senate rules to address situations like Dela Rosa’s, noting that while current rules cover continuous absence from committees leading to loss of committee membership, no clear rules apply to prolonged absence in plenary sessions. According to Senate President Tito Sotto, Dela Rosa has not attended sessions since November 11, without any definitive information on his return date. Dela Rosa reportedly expressed that he is “waiting for a true seeking for justice” amidst reports of a potential International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant tied to crimes against humanity allegations related to former President Rodrigo Duterte, with Dela Rosa named as an alleged co-perpetrator in a recent ICC document. Lacson stressed the seriousness of the issue, stating that the caucus could aim for a consensus on handling the matter. The caucus will also discuss the Senate’s engagement protocols with the Embassy of China following recent tensions, with Lacson noting a positive development as the Chinese ambassador proposed open dialogue. Additionally, Lacson announced his intention to retire from public service after his current term ends in 2031. At a recent Philippine Military Academy alumni event, Dela Rosa was notably absent. This update reflects ongoing concerns about the impact of Dela Rosa’s absence on Senate operations and the broader political context surrounding his situation.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/977415/senators-to-tackle-bato-s-absence-in-caucus-lacson/story/
