SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri nominated Senators Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta as replacements for Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Joel Villanueva in the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
Zubiri said the move was prompted by potential conflicts, noting the two senators face cases that could affect their participation in the committee’s work. Senate President Vicente Sotto III approved the motion.
Dela Rosa’s continued absence has prompted scrutiny in the Senate, including discussions on the possible suspension of his salary.
The complaint filed against Villanueva alleges involvement in malversation, graft, bribery and related irregularities tied to “ghost” or anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.
Dela Rosa has been absent from the Senate since Nov. 11, 2025, following reports that the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with the drug war during the Duterte administration. While his office continues to function, the former police chief has missed critical legislative duties, including the sponsorship of the 2026 national budget for security agencies and various bicameral conference committee meetings.
Despite not attending sessions and committee hearings, records showed Dela Rosa has continued to perform legislative work, filing four measures as of Jan. 13.
Based on the Senate Bills and Index, Dela Rosa filed the following bills: Senate Bill (SB) 1666: The Integrated Urban Agriculture Act, which seeks to promote urban farming to improve food security and provide livelihood opportunities; SB 1665: Amendments to the Revised Penal Code on Prisoner Custody; SB 1664: The Traffic Safety Education Act, which aims to institutionalize road safety and traffic education for youth; and SB 1663: Compulsory Retirement Age of the Philippine National Police, which seeks to raise the mandatory retirement age for PNP officers and non-officers.
?Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said halting Dela Rosa?s salary requires a careful legal review.
??One of the suggestions is to stop his salary,? Lacson said, noting that civil service rules cover senators. ?If there is no basis, it may not work.? ?Lacson issued the comment following a visit on Tuesday by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who signaled plans to file an ethics complaint against Dela Rosa.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said halting Dela Rosa’s salary requires a careful legal review.
”One of the suggestions is to stop his salary,” Lacson said, noting that civil service rules cover senators. “If there is no basis, it may not work.” Lacson issued the comment following a visit on Tuesday by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who signaled plans to file an ethics complaint against Dela Rosa.
Trillanes said Dela Rosa’s prolonged absence without adequate explanation undermines the Senate’s work and erodes public trust. He added that filing a complaint after six months would strengthen the legal and procedural basis against Dela Rosa.