Ethics complaint filed vs Dela Rosa over prolonged absence

National

A FORMAL complaint has been filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics against Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa over his prolonged absence.

The senator faces a potential salary suspension due to his continued absence in the Senate.

In a formal appeal to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Ethics Chair Senator JV Ejercito, a group requested a probe into Dela Rosa’s prolonged absence, which they claim has spanned over three consecutive months and counting.

Civil society group Wag Kang KuCorrupt asserted that Dela Rosa’s failure to attend work and perform official duties is a "grave abuse of the privilege entrusted to him by the Filipino people."

The complaint further argues that officials drawing taxpayer-funded salaries have a constitutional and moral mandate to serve.

Beyond the ethical breach, the group noted how Dela Rosa’s continuous absence halts the legislative process. They argued that his inaction as committee chair "disrupts policy development" and delays bills that directly impact the Filipino people.

Citing double standards in the current system, the group also noted that while ordinary Filipino workers face termination for just a few days of unauthorized absence, the senator has remained on the payroll despite being missing in action for three months.

In a report by Philstar, complainant Prof. Cielo Magno argued that, at the very least, Dela Rosa’s salary and office funds should be suspended immediately.

Dela Rosa has not been seen at the Senate since speculation of an International Criminal Court warrant against him surfaced.(Mary Angel C. Parac, BiPSU Comm Intern)