Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has failed to respond to multiple attempts at communication since his prolonged absence from the chamber began in November 2025.
Speaking to reporters in a Zoom interview, Sotto stated that he had reached out to Dela Rosa via text message two or three times to check on his status and discuss pending legislative duties, but has yet to receive a reply.
“He is not contacting me. I messaged him… but he did not respond,” Sotto said. “He’s not replying to text messages; what more if I call him?”
The Senate leader noted that his most recent attempt to contact the senator occurred prior to the bicameral conference committee meetings for the 2026 national budget.
Dela Rosa, who serves as the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, was expected to defend the budgets of key security agencies, including the Department of National Defense.
In his absence, other senators have stepped in to sponsor those items.
Dela Rosa has not attended a Senate plenary session since November 11.
His disappearance from public view followed reports from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had allegedly issued an arrest warrant for the senator in connection with his role in the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Despite the senator’s continued absence, Sotto clarified that Dela Rosa’s office remains fully operational.
He emphasized that under Senate rules, he cannot compel a member to attend sessions unless their specific vote is required for a crucial decision.
“To each his own—that’s how it is. He chooses not to come in, but his office is still functioning,” Sotto said. “He will answer to those who voted for him. As long as his office does its work, we keep the office running.”
Sotto added that while the situation is difficult, he would not force Dela Rosa to appear if he is intentionally “avoiding the problem.”
However, he noted that if a critical vote arises where every member’s presence is required, the Senate President does have the authority to order a senator’s arrest to bring them to the chamber.