MANILA, Philippines — A civil society organization led by former Finance undersecretary Prof. Cielo Magno has filed an ethics complaint before the Senate against Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, citing his continued absence from official duties for more than three months.
The group, “Wag Kang KuCorrupt,” accused Dela Rosa of neglecting his responsibilities as a lawmaker and committing what it described as a grave abuse of the public trust.
In the complaint submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the group said that the senator’s prolonged absence undermines the mandate given to him by Filipino voters. It stressed that elected officials are duty-bound to attend plenary sessions, participate in committee hearings, and deliberate on measures affecting national policy.
“Continued absence from Senate sessions is not only neglect of duty but also a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon him by the people,” it said.
Magno drew comparisons between the standards imposed on public officials and ordinary workers, noting that employees who are repeatedly absent from work are typically placed on leave without pay and may face disciplinary measures, including salary deductions, suspension, or termination.
She said senators should be held to the same level of accountability.
