Metro Manila, Philippines – A no-show since November, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has missed more than half of the Senate’s session days — when lawmakers debate and pass laws — according to official attendance records.
Dela Rosa topped the list of 13 senators with absences, attending only 27 out of 58 session days during the first regular session of the 20th Congress from July 28, 2025 to March 18. He incurred 31 absences.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri released the attendance records from the Legislative Journal Service on Wednesday, April 8, upon request of the media.
Dela Rosa has not attended sessions since November, amid reports of a possible warrant from the International Criminal Court, which considers him a co-perpetrator in the crimes against humanity case for murder involving detained former President Rodrigo Duterte.
His office, however, remains operational. He has also signed Senate documents, though his whereabouts have not been disclosed to the public.
His absences have prompted calls for a “no work, no pay” policy in the Senate. He is also facing an ethics complaint seeking sanctions, including the withholding of his salary.
Dela Rosa is followed by Sen. Camille Villar, who logged 16 absences due to maternity leave from October to January, and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, who recorded 14 absences.
Here are the senators with absences:
Bato dela Rosa: 31
Camille Villar: 16 (maternity leave)
Alan Cayetano: 14
JV Ejercito: 6
Raffy Tulfo: 6
Mark Villar: 5
Pia Cayetano: 3
Ping Lacson: 2
Lito Lapid: 2
Loren Legarda: 2
Chiz Escudero: 1
Kiko Pangilinan: 1
Erwin Tulfo: 1
Meanwhile, 11 out of 24 senators maintained perfect attendance, including members of the leadership: Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, and Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros.
Here are the senators with complete attendance:
Bam Aquino
Jinggoy Estrada
Win Gatchalian
Bong Go
Risa Hontiveros
Rodante Marcoleta
Imee Marcos
Robin Padilla
Tito Sotto
Joel Villanueva
Migz Zubiri
